Method and system to manage multiple party rewards using a single account and artificial intelligence

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for storing a transaction history with respect to a business entity, and an incentive regarding a business entity, previously offered to an account. A desired transaction involving a holder of the account and the business entity may be generated based on the transaction history and a metric. An incentive may be generated based on an artificial intelligence program (AIP), the transaction history, and the metric. The desired transaction and the incentive may be transmitted for presentation to a holder of the account.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/276,077, filed Oct. 18, 2011, andentitled “Method and System to Manage Multiple Party Rewards Using aSingle Account and Artificial Intelligence,”

-   -   which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application        Ser. No. 12/322,094, filed Jan. 29, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat.        No. 8,041,667, and entitled “Method and System to Manage        Multiple Party Rewards Using a Single Account and Artificial        Intelligence,”    -   which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, filed May 2, 2008, and        entitled “Method and System for Centralized Generation of a        Business Executable Using Genetic Algorithms and Rules        Distributed Among Multiple Hardware Devices,”    -   which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 11/983,679, filed Nov. 9, 2007, and entitled “Method and        System for Generating, Selecting, and Running Executables in a        Business System Utilizing a Combination of User Defined Rules        and Artificial Intelligence,”    -   which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 09/993,228, filed Nov. 14, 2001, and        entitled “Method and Apparatus for Dynamic Rule and/or Offer        Generation,”    -   which applications are incorporated by reference in the present        application.

The present application also is a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/217,824, filed Jul. 9, 2008, andentitled “Method and System for Generating a Real Time Offer or aDeferred Offer,”

-   -   which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 12/151,038, filed May 2, 2008, and entitled “Method and        Apparatus for Generating and Transmitting an Order Initiation        Offer to a Wireless Communications Device,”    -   which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 11/983,679, filed Nov. 9, 2007, and entitled “Method and        System for Generating, Selecting, and Running Executables in a        Business System Utilizing a Combination of User Defined Rules        and Artificial Intelligence,”    -   which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 09/993,228, filed Nov. 14, 2001, and        entitled “Method and Apparatus for Dynamic Rule and/or Offer        Generation,”    -   which applications are incorporated by reference in the present        application.

This application is related to: U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/052,093 entitled “Vending Machine Evaluation Network” and filed Mar.31, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/083,483 entitled “Methodand Apparatus for Selling an Aging Food Product” and filed May 22, 1998;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/282,747 entitled “Method andApparatus for Providing Cross-Benefits Based on a Customer Activity” andfiled Mar. 31, 1999; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/943,483entitled “System and Method for Facilitating Acceptance of ConditionalPurchase Offers (CPOs)” and filed on Oct. 3, 1997, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/923,683entitled “Conditional Purchase Offer (CPO) Management System ForPackages” and filed Sep. 4, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/889,319 entitled “ConditionalPurchase Offer Management System” and filed Jul. 8, 1997, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/707,660entitled “Method and Apparatus for a Cryptographically AssistedCommercial Network System Designed to Facilitate Buyer-DrivenConditional Purchase Offers,” filed on Sep. 4, 1996 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 5,794,207 on Aug. 11, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/920,116 entitled “Method and System for Processing SupplementaryProduct Sales at a Point-Of-Sale Terminal” and filed Aug. 26, 1997,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/822,709 entitled “System and Method for Performing Lottery TicketTransactions Utilizing Point-Of-Sale Terminals” and filed Mar. 21, 1997;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/135,179 entitled “Method andApparatus for Determining Whether a Verbal Message Was Spoken During aTransaction at a Point-Of-Sale Terminal” and filed Aug. 17, 1998; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/538,751 entitled “Dynamic Propagation ofPromotional Information in a Network of Point-of-Sale Terminals” andfiled Mar. 30, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/442,754entitled “Method and System for Processing Supplementary Product Salesat a Point-of-Sale Terminal” and filed Nov. 12, 1999; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/045,386 entitled “Method and Apparatus ForControlling the Performance of a Supplementary Process at aPoint-of-Sale Terminal” and filed Mar. 20, 1998; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/045,347 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing aSupplementary Product Sale at a Point-of-Sale Terminal” and filed Mar.20, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/083,689 entitled “Methodand System for Selling Supplementary Products at a Point-of Sale andfiled May 21, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/045,518 entitled“Method and Apparatus for Processing a Supplementary Product Sale at aPoint-of-Sale Terminal” and filed Mar. 20, 1998; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/076,409 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Generating aCoupon” and filed May 12, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/045,084 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Offers thatare Provided at a Point-of-Sale Terminal” and filed Mar. 20, 1998; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/098,240 entitled “System and Method forApplying and Tracking a Conditional Value Coupon for a RetailEstablishment” and filed Jun. 16, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/157,837 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Selling an Aging FoodProduct as a Substitute for an Ordered Product” and filed Sep. 21, 1998,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/083,483entitled “Method and Apparatus for Selling an Aging Food Product” andfiled May 22, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/603,677 entitled“Method and Apparatus for selecting a Supplemental Product to offer forSale During a Transaction” and filed Jun. 26, 2000; U.S. Pat. No.6,119,100 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Managing the Sale of AgingProducts and filed Oct. 6, 1997 and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/239,610 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Performing Upsells”and filed Oct. 11, 2000.

By “related to” we mean that the present application and theapplications noted above are in the same general technological area andhave a common inventor or assignee. However, “related to” does notnecessarily mean that the present application and any or all of theapplications noted above are patentably indistinct, or that the filingdate for the present application is within two months of any of therespective filing dates for the applications noted above.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally, in accordance with some embodiments,to a method and system for managing rewards for a multi-tiered accountand, more particularly, to a method and system for providing suchmanagement using artificial intelligence. The disclosure relatesgenerally, in accordance with some embodiments, to a method and systemto generate and transmit follow-up offers to a WCD, from which an orderhas been received, using one or both of at least one rule or anartificial intelligence program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The management of rewards for an account is known, for example, asdisclosed in U.S. Published Patent Applications 2002/0087410 (Walker etal.), incorporated by reference herein. Unfortunately, such programs arenot self-learning.

Thus, there is a long-felt need to provide a system and a method tomanage rewards for a multi-tiered account that is dynamic and can bereadily adapted to meet various and variable requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system is provided for managing an account havingat least one sub-account, including: a memory unit, for at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, for storing a transactionhistory for the account with respect to a business entity, an incentiveregarding the business entity previously offered to the account, and anartificial intelligence program (AIP), wherein the transaction historyincludes at least one transaction involving the business entity and themain account or the business entity and the at least one sub-account; aprocessor for the at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer for: comparing the transaction history with a metric;generating, using the comparison of the transaction history with themetric, a desired transaction involving the account and the businessentity; and modifying the incentive using the AIP and the comparison ofthe transaction history with the metric, wherein rewarding of themodified incentive is conditional upon execution of the desiredtransaction; and an interface element, for the at least one speciallyprogrammed general-purpose computer, for transmitting the desiredtransaction and the modified incentive for presentation to a holder ofthe account.

In one embodiment, the processor is for determining the metric using theAIP and the memory element is for storing the metric. In anotherembodiment, the memory element is for storing data regarding theaccount, the data different than the transaction history and theprocessor is for: generating, using the data and the AIP, the metric;comparing the transaction history with the metric using the data;generating the desired transaction using the data; modifying theincentive using the data; or transmitting the desired transaction andthe modified incentive using the data. In a further embodiment,comparing the transaction history with the metric includes using theAIP. In yet another embodiment, the processor is for generating theincentive using the AIP.

In one embodiment, the interface element is for receiving data regardinga transaction, between the business entity and the account, transactedfollowing transmission of the desired transaction and the modifiedincentive and the processor is for comparing the data with respect tothe desired transaction. For compliance of the transaction with thedesired transaction, the processor is for authorizing reward of themodified incentive. For non-compliance of the transaction with thedesired transaction, the processor is for further modifying, using theAIP, the modified incentive according to the comparison of thetransaction and the desired transaction.

In one embodiment, the processor is for generating, using the AIP, atleast one rule, the memory element is for storing the at least one rule,and the processor is for generating the desired transaction using the atleast one rule or modifying the incentive using the at least one rule.In another embodiment, the memory element is for storing at least onerule, the processor is for modifying, using the AIP, the at least onerule according to the comparison of the transaction history with themetric, and the processor is for generating the desired transactionusing the at least one modified rule or modifying the incentive usingthe at least one modified rule.

In one embodiment, the processor is for generating, using thetransaction history and the AIP, a conversion metric, the interfaceelement is for receiving a request to transfer a reward within theaccount, and the processor is for modifying the reward using theconversion metric and transferring the modified reward within theaccount. In another embodiment, the interface element is for receivingat least one rule from a wireless communications device (WCD) or from ageneral-purpose computer associated with the business entity or anotherbusiness entity, the memory element is for storing the at least onerule, and the processor is for: comparing the transaction history withthe metric using the at least one rule; modifying the incentive usingthe at least one rule; generating the desired transaction using the atleast one rule; or transmitting the desired transaction and the modifiedincentive using the at least one rule.

In one embodiment, the processor is for transmitting the desiredtransaction and the modified incentive to a WCD with a memory elementand a processor, and the memory element for the WCD is for storing theat least one rule, and the processor for the WCD is for executing thedesired transaction or the modified incentive according to the at leastone rule.

In one embodiment, a system is provided for managing an account havingat least one sub-account, including: a memory unit, for at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, for storing a transactionhistory for the account with respect to a business entity and anartificial intelligence program (AIP), the transaction history includingat least one transaction involving the business entity and the mainaccount or the business entity and the at least one sub-account; aprocessor for the at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer for: comparing the transaction history with a metric;generating, using the AIP and the comparison of the transaction historywith the metric, a desired transaction involving the account and thebusiness entity; and generating, using the AIP and the comparison of thetransaction history with the metric, an incentive, rewarding of theincentive conditional upon execution of the desired transaction; and aninterface element, for the at least one specially programmedgeneral-purpose computer, for transmitting the desired transaction andthe incentive for presentation to a holder of the account.

Some embodiments comprise a method for managing an account having atleast one sub-account.

In one embodiment, a system is provided for generating a real time offeror a deferred offer, including: an interface element, for at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to receive anorder from an end user device (EUD), the order including a first item orservice available from a first business entity; and an offer element, ina processor for the at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer, arranged to: generate, prior to fulfillment of the order bythe first business entity and using at least one of a first set of rulesor a first artificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit forthe at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, a firstoffer fulfillable as part of the order; and generate, prior tofulfillment of the order by the first business entity and using theprocessor and at least one of a second set of rules or a secondartificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, a secondoffer fulfillable after fulfillment of the order by the first businessentity; and transmit, using the interface element, the first and secondoffers to the EUD.

In one embodiment, the first and second sets of rules are the same orthe first and second artificial intelligence programs are the same. Inanother embodiment, the first and second offers are the same. In afurther embodiment, the first and second offers include second and thirditems or services, respectively and the second and third items orservices are the same or the second and third items or services aredifferent. In yet another embodiment, the first and second offersinclude first and second incentives, respectively and the first andsecond incentives are the same or the first and second incentives aredifferent.

In one embodiment, the offer element is arranged to determine, using atleast one of a third set of rules or a third artificial intelligenceprogram stored in the memory unit, whether to transmit the second offerbefore or after receipt of payment for the second offer. In anotherembodiment, the EUD is a wireless communications device (WCD) storing atleast one third rule in a memory element for the WCD and arranged toexecute, using a processor in the WCD, the first or second offeraccording to the at least one third rule. In a further embodiment theinterface element is arranged to receive at least one third rule from aWCD, or from a general-purpose computer associated with a secondbusiness entity and the offer element is arranged to: store the at leastone third rule in the memory element; and modify the first or secondoffer using the processor and the at least one third rule. In yetanother embodiment, the first and second business entities are the same.

Some embodiments comprise a method for generating a real time offer or adeferred offer.

It is a general object, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, to provide a system and a method to generate realtime or deferred offers.

It is a general object, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention, to provide a system and a method to manage rewardsfor a multi-tiered account that is dynamic and can be readily adapted tomeet various and variable requirements.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciable from the following description of preferredembodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of various embodiments of the presentinvention will now be more fully described in the following detaileddescription of the invention taken with the accompanying drawingFigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a present invention system formanaging an account having at least one sub-account;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a present invention method for managing anaccount having at least one sub-account;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a present invention apparatus forgenerating and transmitting an order initiation offer to a wirelesscommunications device (WCD);

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a present invention method for generating andtransmitting an order initiation offer to a wireless communicationsdevice (WCD);

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for a present invention system for generatinga real time offer or a deferred offer;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for generating a real time offer and/or a deferred offer; and,

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for generating a real time offer and/or a deferred offer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements of the invention. While various embodiments of thepresent invention are described with respect to what is presentlyconsidered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that anyparticular embodiments as claimed are not limited to the disclosedaspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that the various embodiments of theinvention are not limited to the particular methodology, materials andmodifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is alsounderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appendedclaims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinshall include the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods,devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein canbe used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferredmethods, devices, and materials are now described.

It should be understood that the use of “or” in the present applicationis with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless statedotherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it isunderstood that this can mean one of the following: 1) item x is onlyone or the other of A and B; and 2) item x is both A and B. Alternatelystated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or”arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for thestatement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of Aand B.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of present invention system 100 formanaging an account having at least one sub-account. The system includesinterface element 102, memory element 104, and processor 106 for atleast one specially programmed general-purpose computer 108. The memoryelement stores transaction history 110 for account 112. The transactionhistory includes at least one transaction 114 involving a businessentity, for example, the business entity associated with location 116and account 112. Any transaction involving a customer and a businessentity is included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.Account 112 includes main, or master, account 118 and at least onesub-account 120. Thus, account 112 includes one or more sub-accounts.Account 112 is not limited to a particular number of sub-accounts.Transaction 114 can include any combination of the main account and oneor more sub-accounts from sub-accounts 120. For example, the transactioncan include the main account and a sub-account from sub-accounts 120, orcan include only sub-accounts from sub-accounts 120. The memory elementalso stores incentive 122, previously offered to the account by thebusiness entity, and artificial intelligence program (AIP) 124. In oneembodiment, the processor updates the transaction history withtransaction 114.

In one embodiment, the processor is for generating comparison 126 bycomparing the transaction history with metric 127 and generating, usingthe comparison, desired transaction 128 involving the account and thebusiness entity. Metric 127 can be any metric known in the art and themetric can be part of any classification system known in the art. Inanother embodiment, the processor generates modified incentive 130 bymodifying incentive 122 using the AIP and the comparison. In a furtherembodiment, the desired transaction and the modified incentive arestored in the memory element. The eventual rewarding of the modifiedincentive is conditional upon execution of the desired transaction asdescribed infra. In one embodiment, the processor transmits, via theinterface element, desired transaction 128 and modified incentive 130for presentation to a holder (not shown) of the account. Incentive 130can be any incentive known in the art, for example, including, but notlimited to a discount on an item or service or a free item or service.Hereinafter, the term “incentive” if not further delineated refers toincentive 122 or modified incentive 130.

In one embodiment, desired transaction 128 and modified incentive 130are transmitted for presentation on any point of sale (POS) stationknown in the art, for example, POS station 131 in location 116. Inanother embodiment, the offer is transmitted for presentation on anydevice, remote from a location associated with the first businessentity, such as location 116, known in the art, for example, a remotekiosk (not shown) or a wireless communications device (WCD), forexample, WCD 131. WCD 131 can be any WCD known in the art.Commonly-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/151,040, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING TRANSACTIONSINITIATED VIA A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, filed May 2, 2008 isapplicable to interaction of the WCD and system 100.

By interface element, we mean any combination of hardware, firmware, orsoftware in a computer used to enable communication or data transferbetween the computer and a device, system, or network external to thecomputer. The interface element can connect with the device, system, ornetwork external to the computer using any means known in the art,including, but not limited to a hardwire connection, an opticalconnection, an Internet connection, or a radio frequency connection.Processor 106 and interface element 102 can be any processor orinterface element, respectively, or combination thereof, known in theart.

Computer 108 can be any computer or plurality of computers known in theart. In one embodiment, the computer is located in a retail locationwith which system 100 is associated, for example, location 116. Inanother embodiment (not shown), all or parts of the computer are remotefrom retail locations with which system 100 is associated. In a furtherembodiment, computer 108 is associated with a plurality of retaillocations with which system 100 is associated. Thus, the computerprovides the functionality described for more than one retail location.

In another embodiment, the processor determines metric 127 using the AIPand the memory element stores the metric. In another embodiment, theprocessor compares the transaction history with the metric using theAIP. In a further embodiment, the processor generates the incentiveusing the AIP. That is, the processor generates the incentive modifiedin the processor operation described supra.

In one embodiment, the memory element stores data 132 regarding theaccount. Data 132 includes information other than the information shownin history 110, for example, information regarding one or more holdersof the main or sub-accounts in account 112. The processor performs oneor more of the following operations using the data: generating, usingthe AIP, the metric; comparing the transaction history with the metric;generating the desired transaction (in addition to using the AIP);modifying the incentive; or transmitting the respective data, forexample, the format or content of the display of the desired transactionor incentive is configured according to information in data 132.

In one embodiment, the interface element receives data 134 regarding atransaction between the business entity and the account transactedfollowing transmission of the respective data, and the processorcompares data 134 with respect to the desired transaction. For example,if the desired transaction was a transaction including the main accountand two sub-accounts, the processor determines if the transactiondescribed by data 134 included the main account and two sub-accounts.For compliance of the transaction with the desired transaction, theprocessor authorizes reward of the modified incentive. The modifiedincentive can be rewarded using any means known in the art. The awardcan be provided by the business entity with which the account istransacting or by another entity, for example, a business entitycontracted by the business entity to handle provision of rewards. Fornon-compliance of the transaction with the desired transaction, in oneembodiment, the processor uses the AIP to further modify the modifiedincentive according to the comparison of the transaction and the desiredtransaction. For example, the processor and the AIP determine how tomake the incentive more attractive to holders of the account such thatthe holders are motivated to perform the desired transaction.

In one embodiment, the memory element stores at least one rule 136. Ingeneral, rule 136 can be used in place of or in conjunction with the AIPin any or all of the operations described infra and supra regarding theAIP. For example, the processor uses the rule in one or more of thefollowing operations: to generate or modify the desired transaction, theincentive, or the metric, to compare the transaction history with themetric, or to transmit the desired transaction or incentive. In anotherembodiment, the processor generates or modifies rule 136 using the AIP.In a further embodiment, the rule is modified using the AIP according tothe comparison of the transaction history with the metric. Thus, thesystem is self-learning with respect to the rule and the rule can beautomatically modified according to feed-back or changes in a metric orother benchmark. It should be understood that a modified rule 136 can beused for any or all of the operations described supra or infra for rule136. Commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHODAND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN ABUSINESS SYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES ANDARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007 isapplicable to the operation of the AIP and rule 136.

In one embodiment, the processor generates conversion metric 138, usingthe AIP and the transaction history or data 134. The conversion metricis used for modifying rewards transferred between the main account andthe sub-accounts or among the sub-accounts. Upon receipt by theinterface element of a request to transfer a reward, for example, reward140, within the account, the processor modifies the reward using theconversion metric and transfers the modified reward within the account.For example, according to compliance of a sub-account with respect to aspecified metric, there may be a bonus, no modification, or a penaltyapplied to rewards transferred to or from the sub-account.

In one embodiment, computer 142, separate from computer 108, transmitsmodifying rule 144 to computer 108. Computer 142 can be in location 116(not shown) or can be in a different location. Computer 142 can beassociated with a business entity associated with location 116 or can beassociated with a different business entity. Connection 146 betweencomputers 108 and 142 can be any type known in the art. In anotherembodiment (not shown), multiple computers 142 are included andrespective computers among the multiple computers can be associated withthe same or different business entities. Computer 108 stores modifyingrule 142 in memory 104.

In one embodiment, rule 142 is used with or in place of rule 136, or isused in conjunction with the AIP. For example, the processor can performone or more of the following operations using rule 142: generate ormodify the desired transaction, the incentive, or the metric, comparethe transaction history with the metric, or transmit the desiredtransaction or incentive. Commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/151,043, filed May 2, 2008 and entitled “Method and System ForCentralized Generation of a Business Executable Using Genetic Algorithmsand Rules Distributed Among Multiple Hardware Devices” is applicable tothe respective operations of computer 108 with respect to rule 142.

In one embodiment, computer 108 receives at least one modifying rule 148from a WCD associated with the customer, for example, WCD 131, andstores the rule in memory 104. In one embodiment, rule 148 is used withor in place of rule 136, or is used in conjunction with the AIP. Forexample, the processor can perform one or more of the followingoperations using rule 148: generate or modify the desired transaction,the incentive, or the metric, compare the transaction history with themetric, or transmit the desired transaction or incentive. Commonly ownedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, filed May 2, 2008 andentitled “Method and System For Centralized Generation of a BusinessExecutable Using Genetic Algorithms and Rules Distributed Among MultipleHardware Devices” is applicable to the respective operations of computer108 with respect to rule 148.

In one embodiment, a WCD, for example, WCD 131, with a processor and amemory element, for example, processor 150 and memory 152, is usable toreceive the desired transaction and the incentive. The memory elementfor the WCD stores at least one rule, for example, rule 154 and theprocessor for the WCD executes the desired transaction or the incentiveaccording to the rule, for example, rule 154. Commonly-owned andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,040, entitled “METHODAND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING TRANSACTIONS INITIATED VIA A WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, filed May 2, 2008 is applicable to theoperations described regarding WCD 131, processor 150, rule 154, andpresentation of the desired transaction or the incentive.

In one embodiment, a WCD usable with system 100, for example, WCD 131,is owned by, leased by, or otherwise already in possession of an enduser when system 100 interfaces with the WCD. In the description thatfollows, it is assumed that the WCD is owned by, leased by, or otherwisealready in possession of the end user when system 100 interfaces withthe WCD. In general, the WCD communicates with a network, for example,network 156, via radio-frequency connection 158. Network 156 can be anynetwork known in the art. In one embodiment, the network is locatedoutside of the retail location, for example, the network is a commercialcellular telephone network. In one embodiment (not shown), the networkis located in a retail location, for example, the network is a localnetwork, such as a Bluetooth network. The interface element can connectwith network 156 using any means known in the art, including, but notlimited to a hardwire connection, an optical connection, an Internetconnection, or a radio frequency connection. In the figures, anon-limiting example of a hardwire connection 160 is shown. In oneembodiment, device 131 is connectable to a docking station (not shown)to further enable communication between device 131 and system 100. Anydocking station or docking means known in the art can be used. That is,when the device is connected to the docking station, a link isestablished between the device and system 100.

In one embodiment, the processor generates classification 162 for theaccount according to history 110. In another embodiment, metric 164 isused by the processor to generate the classification. Metric 164 can beany metric known in the art and the metric can be part of anyclassification system known in the art in order to result inclassification 162. For example, in one embodiment, the intent ofclassification 162 is to place the account in a hierarchy of candidacyfor desired transactions or incentives. For example, the more favorablethe comparison, the higher the customer's position in the hierarchy andthe more valuable or attractive the desired transactions or incentivespotentially available to the customer. Thus, the incentive can be mademore or less valuable or attractive according to the classification.

In one embodiment, classification 162 is used by the processor: togenerate or modify the desired transaction, the incentive, or themetric; to compare the transaction history with the metric; or totransmit the desired transaction or incentive. For example, theclassification can be an indication of how favorably the account istransacting with the business entity, for example, with respect toparameters regarding revenue or profitability for the business entity.Thus, for example, accounts with a more favorable classification can beoffered more attractive desired transactions or incentives. In anotherembodiment, the processor uses the AIP to generate or modify metric 164or classification 162.

In one embodiment, the desired transaction includes a good or service(not shown) offered by the business entity and the incentive can be anoffer related to the good or service. The good or service can be anygood or service known in the art. The following commonly-owned U.S.patent applications are applicable to the use of the AIP and or therules described supra to generate an incentive including an offer: U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORGENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESS SYSTEMUTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007; commonly-ownedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151/043, titled: “METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESS EXECUTABLES USING GENETICALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONG MULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,”inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/151,038, titled: “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORGENERATING AND TRANSMITTING AN ORDER INITIATION OFFER TO A WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008;commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,040, entitled“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING TRANSACTIONS INITIATED VIA A WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, filed May 2, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/151,042, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORGENERATING AN OFFER AND TRANSMITTING THE OFFER TO A WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, filed May 2, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/151,042, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORGENERATING AN OFFER AND TRANSMITTING THE OFFER TO A WIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, filed May 2, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO ANEND USER FOR REFERRING ANOTHER END USER”, inventors Otto et al., filedJul. 9, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patent application entitled “METHODAND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A REAL TIME OFFER OR A DEFERRED OFFER”,inventors Otto et al., filed Jul. 9, 2008; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ANDTRANSMITTING AN IDEAL ORDER OFFER”, inventors Otto et al., filed Jul. 9,2008; commonly-owned U.S. patent application entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODFOR GENERATING AND TRANSMITTING LOCATION BASED PROMOTIONAL OFFERREMINDERS”, inventors Otto et al., filed Jul. 9, 2008; commonly-ownedU.S. patent application entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION BASEDSUGGESTIVE SELLING”, filed Jul. 9, 2008; and commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCANNING A COUPON TOINITIATE AN ORDER”, filed May 2, 2008.

In one embodiment, the processor determines optimization 165 of revenueor profitability for the business entity as a parameter for: generatingor modifying the desired transaction, the incentive, or the metric;comparing the transaction history with the metric, or transmitting therespective data. For example, the processor can determine the success ofthe transactions in history 110 in attaining the optimization of revenueor profitability. Any measure or metric known in the art can be usedwith respect to the revenue or profitability, including, but not limitedto optimizing or maximizing revenues, profits, item counts, averagecheck, market basket contents, marketing offer acceptance, storevisitation or other frequency measures, or improving or optimizing speedof service, inventory levels, turns, yield, waste, or enhancing oroptimizing customer loyalty or use of kiosks or internet or other POSdevices, or use of off peak or other coupons or acceptance of upsell orother marketing offers, or reduction or optimization of any customer oremployee or any other person's gaming, fishing, or any other undesirableaction or activities and/or failures to act when desired, or minimizingor optimizing any dilution or diversion of sales, profits, averagecheck, or minimizing or optimizing use of discounts and other promotionsso as to maximize or optimize any of the foregoing desired actions,outcomes or other desired benefits, or any combination of minimizingundesired results while maximizing or optimizing any one or more of anydesired results. In another embodiment, the processor determines theoptimization of revenue or profitability using the AIP.

In one embodiment, metric 126 or metric 164 are with respect to therevenue or profitability of the business entity, including, but notlimited to optimizing or maximizing revenues, profits, item counts,average check, market basket contents, marketing offer acceptance, storevisitation or other frequency measures, or improving or optimizing speedof service, inventory levels, turns, yield, waste, or enhancing oroptimizing customer loyalty or use of kiosks or internet or other POSdevices, or use of off peak or other coupons or acceptance of upsell orother marketing offers, or reduction or optimization of any customer oremployee or any other person's gaming, fishing, or any other undesirableaction or activities and/or failures to act when desired, or minimizingor optimizing any dilution or diversion of sales, profits, averagecheck, or minimizing or optimizing use of discounts and other promotionsso as to maximize or optimize any of the foregoing desired actions,outcomes or other desired benefits, or any combination of minimizingundesired results while maximizing or optimizing any one or more of anydesired results.

In one embodiment, the processor is for generating or modifying formator temporal parameter 166 for presentation of the desired transaction orthe incentive. For example, the parameter is with respect to a time ofday, week, month, or year at which the desired transaction or incentiveis presented, or with respect to a frequency with which the desiredtransaction or incentive is presented. The processor transmits theformat or temporal parameter along with the desired transaction and theincentive for presentation. In another embodiment, the processor usesthe AIP to generate or modify parameter 166.

In one embodiment, the memory unit stores the transaction history andthe AIP; and the processor compares the transaction history with ametric, for example, metric 127, generates, using the AIP and thecomparison of the transaction history with the metric, a desiredtransaction involving the account and the business entity, for example,transaction 128, and generates, using the AIP and the comparison of thetransaction history with the metric, an incentive, for example,incentive 122. The rewarding of the incentive is conditional uponexecution of the desired transaction. The interface element transmitsthe desired transaction and the incentive for presentation to a holderof the account.

Commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHOD ANDSYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESSSYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007, is applicableto the operations involving the AIP or any rules, noted supra and infra,for example, generating or modifying the desired transaction, theincentive, or the metric, comparing the transaction history with themetric, or transmitting the desired transaction or incentive or otheroperations described herein with respect to the AIP.

System 100 can generate, determine, modify, or manage the following:

-   -   1. Customer ratings, for example, classification 162, that is, a        score or rating given to each customer to determine the type of        desired transaction or incentive for which the customer        qualifies. The rating can be adjusted based on:        -   a. the transaction total of one or more transactions, for            example, as found in the transaction history        -   b. temporal parameters, such as the time since the last            transaction        -   c. use of coupons        -   d. purchase of discounted or non-discounted products        -   e. purchase of loss leaders        -   f. any other metric to determine how profitable a customer,            or a transaction associated with the customer, is for a            business entity operating or benefiting from system 100    -   2. Incentive modification, for example, the augmentation of        incentive 122 or 130. That is, an incremental, additive        incentive, for example, discount percent or fixed dollar amount,        that is generated or modified and then added to encourage        compliance with the desire transaction    -   3. Maximum discount. That is, the maximum incentive, for        example, percent or fixed dollar discount, that can be applied        to any desired transaction    -   4. Grace period. That is, temporal parameters governing        compliance of the customer, for example, the amount of time        given to comply with a desired transaction    -   5. Adjusting an incentive discount and determining when to apply        the discount    -   6. Presentation, that is, how the desired transaction and        incentive are outputted and conveyed to customer, for example,        print a coupon or output email based on whether or not customer        has a frequent shopper card    -   7. Rules governing incentives, for example, discounts, given to        loyal customers    -   8. Rules defining a loyal customer    -   9. Price of incentive or discount    -   10. Time between transactions    -   11. Incentive or discount amount

The discussion in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/983,679, filed Nov. 9, 2006 and entitled “Method and System forGenerating, Selecting, and Running Executables in a Business SystemUtilizing a Combination of User Defined Rules and ArtificialIntelligence” is applicable to the modification of incentives 122 or130, or the desired transaction by the processor.

As disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application titled: “METHODAND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND TRANSMITTING AN IDEAL ORDER OFFER,”inventors Otto et. al, filed Jul. 9, 2008, which application isincorporated by reference herein, in one embodiment, the processorreviews the transaction history to identify an item or service notincluded in the history (and presumably never ordered by the customer)or ordered by the customer at less than a predetermined frequency. Then,the processor, using the AIP, optimizes the desired transaction and theincentive, for example, by including an upsell in the incentive for anitem or service not included in the information or ordered at less thana predetermined frequency. In another embodiment, this pairing is usedto realize the optimization of revenue or profits for the businessentity.

It should be understood that various storage and removal operations, notexplicitly described above, involving memory 104 and as known in theart, are possible with respect to the operation of system 100. Forexample, outputs from and inputs to the general-purpose computer can bestored and retrieved from the memory elements and data generated by theprocessor can be stored in and retrieved from the memory.

It should be understood that system 100 can be operated by the samebusiness entity operating or owning a business location using thesystem, or can be operated by a third party different than the businessentity operating or owning the business location using the system. Inone embodiment, a third party operates system 100 as disclosed bycommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/985,141: “UPSELLSYSTEM EMBEDDED IN A SYSTEM AND CONTROLLED BY A THIRD PARTY,” inventorsOtto et al., filed Nov. 13, 2007.

It should be understood that system 100 can be integral with a computeroperating system for a business location, for example, location 116 orwith a business entity operating the business location. It also shouldbe understood that system 100 can be wholly or partly separate from thecomputer operating system for a retail location, for example, location116, or with a business entity operating the business location.

It should be understood that although individual rule sets and a singleartificial intelligence program are discussed, various of the individualrule sets can be combined into composite rules set (not shown). Further,the functions described for AIP 124 can be implemented by combinationsof separate AIPs (not shown). Any combination of individual rule sets orartificial intelligence programs is included in the spirit and scope ofthe claimed invention.

In general, system 100, and in particular, the processor using the AIprogram, operates to use artificial intelligence, for example, a genericalgorithm, to inform or make some or all of the decisions discussed inthe description for FIG. 1. In one embodiment, system 100 generates ormodifies the desired transaction, the incentive, or the metric, comparesthe transaction history with the metric, or transmits the desiredtransaction or incentive, or performs the other operations describedherein to attain or maximize an objective of the business entity, forexample, performance with respect to metric 126. Factors usable todetermine an objective can include, but are not limited to: customeracceptance rate, profit margin percentage, customer satisfactioninformation, service times, average check, inventory turnover, laborcosts, sales data, gross margin percentage, sales per hour, cash overand short, inventory waste, historical customer buying habits, customerprovided information, customer loyalty program data, weather data, storelocation data, store equipment package, POS system brand, hardware typeand software version, employee data, sales mix data, market basket data,or trend data for at least one of these variables. Thus, the presentinvention, for example, system 100, specifically, computer 108 andprocessor 106, use artificial intelligence, for example, AIP 124 toautomatically generate or modify operations, parameters, and outputswith respect to a goal, for example, a metric such as metric 127 andautomatically adapts the generation or modification operations,parameters, and outputs to feedback, that is, the present invention isself-learning and self-adapting with respect to generating or modifyingoperations, parameters, and outputs. Further, the present invention canautomatically generate or modify the goal and be self-learning andself-adapting with respect to the goal.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for managing an account having at least one sub-account. Althoughthe method in FIG. 2 is depicted as a sequence of numbered steps forclarity, no order should be inferred from the numbering unlessexplicitly stated. The method starts at Step 200. Step 202 stores, in amemory element for at least one specially-programmed general purposecomputer, a transaction history for and account, including a mainaccount and at least one sub-account, with respect to a business entity,an incentive regarding the business entity previously offered to theaccount, and an artificial intelligence program (AIP). The transactionhistory includes at least one transaction involving the business entityand the main account, or the business entity and the at least onesub-account; step 204 compares, using a processor in the at least onespecially-programmed general purpose computer, the transaction historywith a metric; step 206 generates, using the processor and thecomparison of the transaction history with the metric, a desiredtransaction involving the account and the business entity; step 208modifies the incentive using the processor, the AIP, and the comparisonof the transaction history with the metric (rewarding of the modifiedincentive is conditional upon execution of the desired transaction); andstep 210 transmits, using an interface element for the at least onespecially-programmed general purpose computer, the desired transactionand the modified incentive for presentation to a holder of the account.

In one embodiment, step 212 determines, using the processor and the AIP,the metric, and stores the metric in the memory element. In anotherembodiment, step 214 stores, in the memory element, data regarding theaccount, the data different than the transaction history; and step 216generates, using the processor, the data, and the AIP, the metric;comparing the transaction history with the metric includes using thedata; modifying the incentive includes using the data; generating thedesired transaction includes using the data; or transmitting the desiredtransaction and the modified incentive includes using the data. In afurther embodiment, comparing the transaction history with the metricincludes using the AIP. In yet another embodiment, generating theincentive comprises using the processor and the AIP.

In one embodiment, step 218 receives, using the interface element, dataregarding a transaction, between the business entity and the account,transacted following transmission of the desired transaction and themodified incentive; step 220 compares, using the processor, the datawith respect to the desired transaction; and step 222, for compliance ofthe transaction with the desired transaction, authorizes, using theprocessor, reward of the modified incentive; or step 224, fornon-compliance of the transaction with the desired transaction, furthermodifies, using the processor and the AIP, the modified incentiveaccording to the comparison of the transaction and the desiredtransaction.

In one embodiment, step 226 generates, using the processor and the AIP,at least one rule; and step 228 stores the at least one rule in thememory element. Modifying the incentive includes using the at least onerule. In another embodiment, step 230 stores at least one rule in thememory element; and step 232 modifies, using the processor and the AIP,the at least one rule according to the comparison of the transactionhistory with the metric. Generating the desired transaction includesusing the at least one modified rule, or modifying the incentiveincludes using the at least one modified rule.

In one embodiment, step 234 generates, using the processor, thetransaction history, and the AIP, a conversion metric; step 236receives, using the interface element, a request to transfer a rewardwithin the account; step 238 modifies the reward using the processor andthe conversion metric; and step 240 transfers, using the processor, themodified reward within the account.

In one embodiment, step 242 receives, using the interface element, atleast one rule from a wireless communications device (WCD) or from ageneral-purpose computer associated with the business entity or anotherbusiness entity; step 244 stores the at least one rule in the memoryelement, and comparing the transaction history with the metric includesusing the at least one rule; modifying the incentive includes using theat least one rule; generating the desired transaction includes using theat least one rule; or transmitting the desired transaction and themodified incentive includes using the at least one rule. In anotherembodiment, transmitting the desired transaction and the modifiedincentive includes transmitting the desired transaction and the modifiedincentive to a WCD having a memory element and a processor, and step 246stores at least one rule in the memory element for the WCD. Step 248executes, using the processor in the WCD, the desired transaction or themodified incentive according to the at least one rule.

The following describes a present invention method for managing anaccount having at least one sub-account. Although the method ispresented as a sequence of steps for clarity, no order should beinferred from the sequence unless explicitly stated. A first stepstores, in a memory element for at least one specially-programmedgeneral purpose computer, a transaction history for the account withrespect to a business entity and an artificial intelligence program(AIP), wherein the transaction history includes at least one transactioninvolving the business entity and the main account or the businessentity and the at least one sub-account; a second step compares, using aprocessor in the at least one specially-programmed general purposecomputer, the transaction history with a metric; a third step generates,using the processor, the AIP, and the comparison of the transactionhistory with the metric, a desired transaction involving the account andthe business entity; a fourth step generates, using the processor, theAIP, and the comparison of the transaction history with the metric, anincentive, rewarding of the incentive conditional upon execution of thedesired transaction; and a fifth step, transmits, using an interfaceelement for the at least one specially-programmed general purposecomputer, the desired transaction and the incentive for presentation toa holder of the account.

The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 and 2 and anydiscussion provided supra. Although the following non-limitingdiscussion is directed to a present invention system, it is understoodthat the discussion also is applicable to a present invention method.System 100 can be described as a reward program for an account includinga number of sub-accounts contained under one main account. In oneembodiment, each sub-account gains rewards that are tracked under themain account. The system can output special reward offers, for example,incentives 122 and 130, to the main account and sub-accounts to motivatepurchasing behavior, for example, to motivate execution of the desiredtransaction. The system can track the success of the offers, for examplevia the transaction history or input 134, and automatically modifysubsequent desired transactions and incentives based on the success ofprevious desired transactions and incentives utilizing artificialintelligence, for example, genetic algorithms or AIP 124, and feedbacktechniques. In another embodiment, rules are used in conjunction withthe artificial intelligence.

In one embodiment, the system scores main and sub-accounts and placesvarious accounts into various classes, for example, classification 162.In another embodiment, the processor uses artificial intelligence andthe transaction history or classification to identify like accounts andto generate or modify the same or similar desired transactions orincentives for accounts so identified.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to offer up front rewards inexchange for commitments from the main or sub-accounts to executedesired transactions over time. Penalties can be applied to the accountif the account is non-compliant with the commitment. In anotherembodiment, the processor, and in a further embodiment, using the AIP,generates or modifies one or more of the following, for example, usingthe transaction history:

-   -   1. the upfront reward to the main or sub-account holders    -   2. the required commitment    -   3. the penalty for non-compliance with the commitment    -   4. the penalty adjustment    -   5. the grace period before a penalty is applied to non-compliant        behavior        In one embodiment, the processor, and in another embodiment,        using the AIP, generates or modifies the incentive according to        one or more of the following:    -   1. payment type, for example, credit card usage    -   2. frequency of transactions, for example, purchases from the        business entity    -   3. number of sub-accounts present    -   4. check size, for example    -   5. bonus items in purchase

The following is a non-limiting example of the present invention. Amain, or master, account holder, Jim, has three sub-account holdersregistered: Peggy, Sue, and Billy. The system tracks purchasingbehavior, for example, using the transaction history, and determinesthat Jim has shopped with Peggy three times, Sue two times and Billy onetime (each shopping event is considered a transaction) in the previousmonth. The system generates an incentive, for example, incentive 122,and a desired transaction for transmission to Jim and Billy. The desiredtransaction is three transactions including both Jim and Billy in thenext month. The incentive is 200 bonus points for Billy, 200 bonuspoints for Jim, and 100 bonus points each for Peggy and Sue. The systemthen determines if Jim and Billy shopped three times in the subsequentmonth, for example, using input 134 and the transaction history. If Jimand Billy have not executed the desired transaction (three transactionsin the subsequent month), the system initiates an iterative process toentice Jim and Billy to comply with the desired transaction(s). Forexample, the system successively modifies the incentive, for example,generating incentive 130, and successively presents the desiredtransaction and modified incentive until Jim and Billy comply with thedesired transaction. For example, the system successively increases thebonus points offered for compliance with the desired transaction untilJim and Billy execute the desired transaction.

In another non-limiting example of the present invention, the systemdetermines, for example, using the transaction history, that Jimtypically has had no more than two sub-account holders present with himduring past transactions. To encourage the participation of moresub-accounts, the system generates an incentive, for example, incentive122, to reward Jim with 200 bonus points if Jim is compliant with adesired transaction consisting of three sub-account holdersparticipating in at least two of Jim's transactions for the next month.The incentive can be modified as described above to encourage Jim'scompliance if the system determines that Jim is being non-compliant, forexample, by using input 134 and the transaction history.

In one embodiment, credit card embodiment rewards are allocated on awebsite after execution of a desired transaction. In another embodiment,transferring reward points from a main to a sub-account or from onesub-account to another includes use of a conversion metric, for example,bonus or penalty for transferring. The master account holder, or asub-account holder with permissions, can log in to a website andallocate reward points earned from making purchases at one or moreretailers.

In one embodiment, at a retail buying club, for example, Sam's Club, amaster account holder can check in at the door via a hand held devicethat prompts the master account holder to enter the sub-account holdersthat are present. The store employee operating the handheld device canverify that the sub-account holders registered as present by the masteraccount holder are actually present. In another embodiment, a fraudsystem can detect if there are too many sub-accounts in a party based onthe transaction amount and adjust reward retroactively.

In one embodiment, a master account holder can use a WCD, for example, acell phone or other handheld device to process the transaction. If themaster account holder is registered in the reward program, a prompt canbe sent from the central system to the master account holder deviceprompting the registration of sub-account holders available. Emailnotifications and offers can be sent to the master account holderdevice, and also to devices of sub-account holders. Commonly-owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/985,268, filed Nov. 14, 2007 andcommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/008,428, filed Jan.11, 2008 are applicable to the operations described above for a WCD.

In one embodiment, for any or all of those instances of a presentinvention system or method in which an artificial intelligence programor generic algorithm is used, a rule or set of rules, for example, rule136, is used in conjunction with the artificial intelligence program orgeneric algorithm. The operation of an artificial intelligence programor generic algorithm with a rule or set of rules is described incommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHOD ANDSYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESSSYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007.

The present invention leverages existing or future marketing systems,marketing programs, loyalty programs, sponsor programs, coupon programs,discount systems, incentive programs, or other loyalty, marketing, orother similar systems, collectively, “marketing systems” by addingprogramming logic, self-learning, and self-adaptation to generate ormodify a desired transaction or incentive, with respect to managingaccounts, for motivating a desired behavior by a customer. The presentinvention can use any, all, or none of the following considerations aspart of generating or modifying the desired transaction, the incentive,or the metric, comparing the transaction history with the metric, ortransmitting the desired transaction or incentive, for example, byadding programming logic, self-learning, and self-adaptation as notedsupra:

-   -   1. One or more business, customer or sponsor objectives, for        example, metric 126.    -   2. Temporal parameters, such as, time of day, day of week,        month, or year.    -   3. Any one or more data or variables available or accessible,        including, for example, any customer, business or sponsor        information, such as, membership in a loyalty or other marketing        program, ordering preferences or history, current sales volumes        or budgets or targets, current or planned local, regional or        national marketing programs or objectives, device preferences,        current speed of service, quality of service or other operating        data, budgets, objectives or trends, etc.

In one embodiment, the present invention employs any, all, or none ofthe following considerations as part of generating or modifying thedesired transaction, the incentive, or the metric, comparing thetransaction history with the metric, or transmitting the desiredtransaction or incentive, for example, by adding programming logic,self-learning, and self-adaptation as noted supra:

-   -   1. Parameters or data regarding the customer, for example, using        the transaction history or data 132. For example, the incentive        can be made more attractive to the customer if the customer is a        loyal customer or if the business entity wishes to entice the        customer to purchase a good seldom ordered by the customer in        the past. Proclivity to accept or reject offers of the same or        other types. Customer objectives also can be considered.    -   2. The customer class or type. For example, the incentive can be        made more attractive to the customer if the customer is grouped        with loyal customers or if the business entity wishes to entice        the customer group to purchase a good seldom ordered by the        customer group in the past. Customer group objectives also can        be considered.    -   3. Temporal parameters, such as the time of day, week, month, or        year. For example, the system can reduce prices in the incentive        to encourage sales during times of historic low sales volume or        increase prices in the incentive during times of historic high        sales volume.    -   4. The good or service involved in a past, current, or possible        future transaction between the customer and the business entity.        For example, incentives for items with a short shelf life can be        made more attractive to encourage a larger volume of orders for        the items.    -   5. Inventory on hand. For example, incentives can be modified to        encourage sale of overstocked items or to maximize profits for        items in short supply.    -   6. Specifics of a transaction. With the use of the AIP, system        100 can automatically, dynamically, and intelligently adapt the        desired transaction or the incentive to any parameter associated        with a particular transaction. Further, the parameters to which        the system is to adapt the price can be automatically,        dynamically, and intelligently selected or modified.    -   7. Physical parameters of the transaction process. For example:        order entry device, e.g., point of sales (POS) terminal, kiosk,        cell phone, PDA, laptop, IED, etc.; POS device or station, e.g.,        front counter, drive through, retail station, call center,        location on counter, e.g., first station vs. second, third        fourth or other station, etc.; output display device (e.g.,        customer facing display, kiosk, cell phone, PDA, laptop, IED,        etc.); or in a quick serve restaurant, the desired transaction        or the incentive can be modified to encourage use of        self-service kiosks, which may optimize revenue for the business        entity, or to discourage use of a point of sales station        attended by an employee.    -   8. Rate of sale of items. For example, prices in the incentive        can be increased for goods that are selling rapidly or reduced        for goods that are selling slowly.    -   9. Reservations. For example, to encourage customers to make        reservations at a sit down restaurant, prices in the incentive        can be reduced for orders placed by customers making        reservations.    -   10. Regular orders. For example, based on the transaction        history, prices in the incentive for a restaurant can be reduced        for items regularly ordered by a customer or prices can be        reduced on items rarely ordered by a customer to encourage the        customer to order the rarely ordered items.    -   11. Employee. For example, to increase prices for incentives        handled by an employee with a high success rate of handling such        incentives.    -   12. The nature of the transaction, for example, determining        feasible upsells to include in the desired transaction.    -   13. The location at which the transaction is occurring, for        example, lowering the price in the incentive to encourage        patronage at a location.    -   14. Business Information or objectives, for example, metric 126.    -   15. Sponsor Information or objectives.    -   16. Marketing Program Type.    -   17. Opt In Information.    -   18. Payment method or terms or conditions of payment.    -   19. Marketing Message Contents.    -   20. Marketing Offer Objectives.    -   21. Expected or Actual System Results or tracking data.    -   22. System determined discounts or other incentives required to        achieve desired results.    -   23. One or more table entries provided by one or more end users,        for example, a system administrator.    -   24. One or more rules provided by one or more end users, for        example, a system administrator.    -   25. One or more genetic algorithms or other AI based rules or        determination methods.    -   26. Point within transaction, e.g., pre-order, mid-order, post        order, etc.    -   27. Loyalty program information.    -   28. Current store activity, e.g., high or low volumes of        transactions.    -   29. Customer survey information.    -   30. Financial considerations, such as total current        price/profit, total expected price/profit, regular or discounted        price, gross margins, profit margins, labor rates, labor        availability, marketing funds available, or third party funds        available, budget.    -   31. Expectation of accept or reject of one or more offers in the        desired transaction at one or more price points in the        incentive.    -   32. Current, prior or expected level of dilution, gaming,        fishing, accretion.    -   33. Business, customer, or employee target goals.    -   34. Current or planned local, regional or national or other        marketing campaigns, including, for example, product        introductions, price or other promotions, print, radio or        television or other advertisements, e.g., newspaper coupon        drops, etc.    -   35. Business, customer, sponsor, or system objectives.    -   36. Business, customer, sponsor, third party, or system        information.    -   37. Any other information, data, rules, system settings, or        otherwise available to the marketing system or disclosed        invention or the POS system or other system designed to deliver        one or more marketing messages, offers, or coupons, etc.    -   38. Any combination or priority ranking of any two or more of        the foregoing.

In one embodiment, marketing messages, content, desired transactions,metrics, histories, incentives, or other parameters, are created ormaintained centrally or in a distributed network, including, forexample, locally. Such management may be accomplished via any applicablemeans available, including, for example, making use of existing, e.g.,off the shelf or customized tools that provide for such creating,management or distribution.

In another embodiment, in an effort to further enhance generating ormodifying the desired transaction, the incentive, or the metric,comparing the transaction history with the metric, or transmitting therespective data, or to otherwise improve one or more aspects of thepresent invention, the invention may access certain information fromexisting systems, including, for example, existing POS databases, suchas customer transaction data, price lists, inventory information orother in or above store, for example, location data, including, but notlimited to data in a POS, back office system, inventory system, revenuemanagement system, loyalty or marketing program databases, labormanagement or scheduling systems, time clock data, production or othermanagement systems, for example, kitchen production or manufacturingsystems, advertising creation or tracking databases, including clickthrough data, impressions information, results data, corporate or storeor location financial information, including, for example, profit andloss information, inventory data, performance metrics, for example,speed of service data, customer survey information, digital signageinformation or data, or any other available information or data, orsystem settings data.

In one embodiment, each location associated with the present inventionestablishes its own rules, uses its own AIP or generic algorithm, orlearns from local customer behavior or other available information. Inanother embodiment, the present invention shares some or all availableinformation or results data among any two or more or all locations orlocations that fall within a given area, region, geography, type, orother factors, such as customer demographics, etc., and makes use ofsuch information to improve the present invention's ability to performpresent invention operations described supra and infra.

For example, when using an AI based system, such as disclosed incommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHOD ANDSYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESSSYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007,” one locationmay discover or otherwise determine that a certain type or class ofdesired transaction or incentive is particularly effective. By sharingsuch information among other locations, for example, similar locations,the present invention can begin to make use of the same or similardesired transactions or incentives in other generally similar locationsor with similar customers or classifications of customers so as toimprove the performance of one or more other such locations or alllocations. In this fashion, the present invention can learn whichdesired transactions or incentives more quickly or generally achieve thedesired results or improve trends towards such results. Likewise, thepresent invention can more quickly determine which desired transactionsor incentives do not yield the desired results or determine how longsuch desired transactions or incentives are required to achieve thedesired results.

In a further embodiment, desired transactions or incentives are providedor subsidized by one or more third parties, including, for example,third party sponsors. For example, a vendor supplying an item in adesired transaction could subsidize an incentive to encourage acceptanceof the item. In another example, such an offer may be partially or fullysubsidized by an unrelated third party sponsor. For example, as part ofa desired transaction, a telecommunications company offers to view anadvertisement for the telecommunications company or fill out a survey orperform some other action or accept a subsequent or related optional orrequired offer, etc.

In one embodiment, customers are grouped by the processor according tosimilarities in transaction history or other customer information, forexample, using and history 110 or data 132. The system generates ormodifies the desired transaction, the incentive, or the metric, comparesthe transaction history with the metric, or transmits the desiredtransaction or incentive for use with the grouped customers.

In one embodiment, the operations of the processor and the AIP,described supra and infra, include the generation of executables asdisclosed by commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679:“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES INA BUSINESS SYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES ANDARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007.

In one embodiment, the present invention generates or modifies thedesired transaction, the incentive, or the metric, compares thetransaction history with the metric, or transmits the respective databased upon other performance data or results, for example, thetransaction history. In another embodiment, the present inventiondetermines the impact of transaction histories, account data, metrics,desired transactions, incentives, or presentations on the ability orproclivity of an employee or customer to game or fish the presentinvention. The system avoids or ceases transaction histories, accountdata, metrics, desired transactions, incentives, or presentations and/orchanges the type of transaction histories, account data, metrics,desired transactions, incentives, or presentations provided orsuppressed. In one embodiment, one or more of the above operations areperformed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, transaction histories, account data, metrics, desiredtransactions, incentives, or presentations vary from employee toemployee, from customer to customer, from account to account, or fromtime to time, or one or more of these may be consistent regardless ofthe employee, customer, account, or time or other information. In aanother embodiment, where transaction histories, account data, metrics,desired transactions, incentives, or presentations vary, suchtransaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations are determined via any applicable means andusing any available information to make such determination, including,for example, any available customer, account, business, or sponsorinformation or any one or more customer, account, business, or sponsorobjectives or any combination of the forgoing. In a further embodiment,transaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations are further determined or modified basedupon information or needs or business objectives of one or moresuppliers or competitors of such suppliers. For example, if a WCD iswithin a geographical area for a location selling competing items A andB, a desired transaction and incentive are generated and transmitted forone or both of the items and vendors for the items underwrite the costfor the price to the business entity. In one embodiment, one or more ofthe above operations are performed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, a present invention system generates, modifies, oruses transaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations based upon current or previous buyinghabits or any other available information regarding a customer. If forexample, an end user is a loyal customer for item A, the presentinvention can increase the price in the incentive for item A or decreasethe price in the incentive for a different item depending upon any knownfactors, for example, did the customer receive or act upon an offer foritem B. If the customer did receive or act upon a reminder for item B,in another embodiment, the present invention reduces a cost in theincentive for item A as a blandishments to purchase item A instead ofitem B, or matches or beats a price for item B, or queries such loyal(or other) customer to determine what price such customer would requireto purchase item A. In this fashion a competitive environment iscreated.

In one embodiment, the end user of a present invention system modifiesthe rules or method of operation so as to favor itself. For example, inthe previous example, if the producer of item A were the sole end userof the present invention, the producer may choose to not share any partor all of any such customer information or may use knowledge of anyreminder regarding item B to its benefit. In another example, if agrocery chain was the sole end user of the present invention, the enduser may choose to provide equal access to the present invention orfavor one or more of its suppliers based upon any one or more of itsbusiness objectives, for example, the profitability or perceived oractual quality or consistency or pricing of such one or more suppliers.In one embodiment, one or more of the above operations are performedusing the AIP.

In one embodiment, in order to receive a desired transaction andincentive, account holders, for example, existing or prospectivecustomers are required to opt in to a cellular marketing program or someother loyalty program indicating their desire or providing permissionfor such marketing system or the business entity to send one or moresuch desired transaction and incentive. In this fashion, only thoseinterested in such communications will be sent such communications.

In a further embodiment, the desired transaction or incentive ismodified for prospective customers having an identity previouslyprovided by an existing customer, as described in commonly-owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/217,863, titled: “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPROVIDING INCENTIVES TO AN END USER FOR REFERRING ANOTHER END USER,”inventors Otto et al., filed Jul. 9, 2008, which application isincorporated by reference herein. For example, if an existing quickservice restaurant chain customer provides one or more prospectivecustomer's identity, when such prospective customer is identified duringa transaction at a quick service restaurant chain's participatinglocations, the present invention generates or modifies the desiredtransaction or incentive or presentation of the desired transaction orincentive to encourage participation in the program and provides theidentity of the referring party along with such desired transaction orincentive. In one embodiment, one or more of the above operations areperformed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, the present invention improves results over time orwith use of the invention. Such improvement or optimization can beaccomplished via any means necessary including any of several methodswell known in the art or as disclosed by applicants and incorporatedherein by reference, including, for example, commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/983,679: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING,SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESS SYSTEM UTILIZING ACOMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,”inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007; commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication titled: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OFBUSINESS EXECUTABLES USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTEDAMONG MULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2,2008; and commonly-owned U.S. patent application titled: “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND TRANSMITTING AN ORDER INITIATION OFFER TO AWIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2,2008. For example, statistical methods can be used to determine whichtransaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations generally yield the desired or optimal orgenerally better results, or such results may be determined usingartificial intelligence, for example, one or more genetic algorithms, ora present invention administrator/operator can review results reportsand then provide manual weighting criteria to further define or controlthe present invention, or a combination of these and other well knownmethods may be employed in any combination or in any order or priority.

In one embodiment, a present invention incentive includes a discount.Such discounts can be associated or applied to specific items, or to anentire order. In one embodiment, discounts are determined based uponrules established by management of the present invention or asestablished or modified from time to time by any authorized personnel,or may be initially established or modified using a learning system,e.g., a genetic algorithm. In any such case, the present invention canmake use of any or all available information, including, but not limitedto transaction history and customer information. Discounts can bedesigned to maximize, minimize or optimize any one or more business orcustomer objectives as desired or indicated. In another embodiment, thediscount, if any, is presented to the customer as a percentage discountor as a cents or other amount off discount. In one embodiment, one ormore of the above operations are performed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, discounts in incentives are used/tried relativelysparingly to determine the price elasticity of customers, both as awhole and/or by class, group, demographics, type or order contents, baseorder amounts, and/or specific customer's buying habits andacceptance/rejection information. In this fashion, the present inventioncan, over time, yield optimal results by learning or otherwisedetermining what price reductions, if any, are required given the knowninformation. For example, if a sub-account rarely transacts with themain account, the present invention could include a price offering a 10%discount in the incentive if the sub-account and the main account areinvolved in the same transaction. If the account holders reject suchoffer, the present invention could offer a larger discount in theincentive, for example, for a 20% discount. Once the present inventiondetermines account holder price points, and/or holders become habituatedto executing the desired transaction, the present invention can reduceor eliminate related discounts or other incentives. In one embodiment,one or more of the above operations are performed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, the present invention, having acquired data regardingcustomer price elasticity and other information, uses such informationto determine other prices for the same or generally similar customers,e.g., other customers who purchase one item but not typically another.In another embodiment, using such logic, the present inventiondetermines classifications of customers and leverage use of suchinformation by providing a desired transaction or incentive that is alsooptimized from the location or location managementperspective/objectives. In one embodiment, one or more of the aboveoperations are performed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, an administrator can add or change or otherwisemodify the previous listing, or data, or determine the order of priorityor preference of each such discrimination factors or preferences ordata, including, for example, location, payment or device, ranking eachin order of such preference or providing table, rules or other entriesto provide or assist or to support determining which are preferred orthe amount of incentive available or increased or decreased incentive,as a percentage or absolute or relative or other dollar or othercalculation method to determine what price modifications, if any tomake, at which locations, devices or payment methods or otherdiscriminating factors, for example, customer or business preferences orcustomer, business, sponsor or other entity information, objectives,rules or other available information or rules or system settings. Byproviding or otherwise manually or automatically determining suchrankings, the disclosed invention can initially or continuously evaluatepotential pricing and modify such pricing or provide other incentives todrive a desired percentage of business or customer transactions to oneor more particular devices, locations or payment methods. In oneembodiment, one or more of the above operations are performed using theAIP.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides such incentivesinitially, or on an ongoing basis or only until certain objectives areachieved or certain customers or all customers are generally habituatedto compliance, for example, with a business objective such as a minimumcheck size, after which, in certain embodiments, the present inventionmay cease, temporarily or permanently making such price incentives basedupon such discriminating factors, or may reduce the difference inincentives, or may only periodically provide such full discounts orreduced discounts so as to reinforce such behavior. In anotherembodiment, a system administrator or other end user establishes suchrules or conditions. In one embodiment, one or more of the aboveoperations are performed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, the present invention makes such determinations usingan automated means. Such automated means includes, for example, a systemthat periodically or generally continuously tests different transactionhistories, account data, metrics, desired transactions, incentives, orpresentations or other methods, for example, user interfaces, or otherbenefits or incentives, and based upon such testing, determine whichtransaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations or other benefits yield the desiredcompliance, for example, with a business objective such as a preferredpayment method. Such automated system may periodically cease providingsuch incentives once it is determined that the desired customer behaviorhas been established, habituated or otherwise persists without need forsuch continued incentive. If such system subsequently determines thatthe desired behavior has ceased or fallen below a desired level, suchsystem can then reinstate an appropriate incentive. When reinstatingsuch incentive, for example, via transaction histories, account data,metrics, desired transactions, incentives, or presentations, the presentinvention can return to previously successful levels or can providedifferent transaction histories, account data, metrics, desiredtransactions, incentives, or presentations, on a temporary, periodic orpermanent basis. Such reinstatement may be provided for all customers,certain customers, classes of customers, or only those customers thathave ceased or have generally reduced their frequency of desiredbehavior. In one embodiment, one or more of the above operations areperformed using the AIP.

In one embodiment, the present invention tests transaction histories,account data, metrics, desired transactions, incentives, orpresentations or provides certain pricing on a periodic basis within asingle location or among a plurality of locations so as to determine theextent or requirement regarding any such transaction histories, accountdata, metrics, desired transactions, incentives, or presentations orother benefits. For example, by testing incentive levels, the presentinvention can determine the level of incentive needed to attain abusiness goal, or such a system can further determine the extent of anygaming, dilution, diversion or accretion. By alternating offering andnot offering incentive modification or by testing various levels ofincentives, the present invention can better determine the optimalincentive, discount or benefits required, if any, to achieve the desiredresults, while minimizing or mitigating any undesirable effects of usingor deploying such system. Such testing can be accomplished via anyapplicable or available means, including those previously disclosed byapplicants herein and within the referenced applications, or randomly orusing rules or AI based systems. By periodically testing or makingchanges to such transaction histories, account data, metrics, desiredtransactions, incentives, or presentations or benefits, the presentinvention can continually strive to achieve the optimal mix and level oftransaction histories, account data, metrics, desired transactions,incentives, or presentations. By combining the use of one or more of atable, rules or AI based system, including, for example, as disclosed inthe applications incorporated by reference herein, a more effective,responsive, adaptive, and dynamic marketing system may be developed anddeployed that achieves optimal or nearly optimal results over both theshort and long term.

In one embodiment, the present invention tests customers of one or morelocations using, an incentive, for example, discounted pricing, whilemaintaining the regular prices at one or more other locations. Bycomparing the results data from such test and control groups oflocations, the present invention can better determine which incentivesare accretive or provide net benefit or are subject to gaming, fishingor other fraudulent or undesirable activities. Such testing can beperformed within a single unit as well, by periodically offering suchincentives to the same or similar customers or by randomly providing ornot providing such incentives.

In one embodiment, the present invention makes use of a combination ofsuch testing methodologies in order to best determine which desiredtransactions or incentives yield optimal or the best results given thepresent invention information, parameters or any one or more customer,business, sponsor or present invention objectives. For example, thepresent invention tests in a single or group of stores certain new oruntested desired transactions or incentives, and, combines such testwith a periodic modification of desired transactions or incentives, forexample, toggling, between higher and lower price discounts, whichtoggling, may be random, 50/50, or may be intelligently determined, forexample, using the AIP, based upon system information, and continue suchtest for a period of time, for example, one month, while comparingresults of such tests with a similar number of stores in a controlgroup, and then, switch the process, for example, test within theoriginal control group and stop offering modified incentives within theoriginal test group. In this fashion the present invention determinesthe effects of desired transaction or incentive modifications and theeffect of such modifications on customers, customer buying habits, storeor business results, or any other measures, including, for example,testing for dilution, diversion, accretion, gaming or fishing. In oneembodiment, one or more of the above operations are performed using theAIP.

In one embodiment, a system administrator is able to enter or modify ordelete or otherwise provide transaction histories, account data,metrics, desired transactions, incentives, or presentations using aninterface provided for such purposes. When establishing messages orcontent of transaction histories, account data, metrics, desiredtransactions, incentives, or presentations, such administrator or otherend user may be further permitted to designate which transactionhistories, account data, metrics, desired transactions, incentives, orpresentations are to be generally used when using a particular type ofcommunications. For example, one type of transaction history, accountdata, metric, desired transaction, incentive, or presentation may bedesignated for use when communicating via cell phone and anothertransaction history, account data, metric, desired transaction,incentive, or presentation used for email and still other versions foreach or all of the other various methods of communications. In anotherembodiment, the present invention tests each transaction history,account data, metric, desired transaction, incentive, or presentationwith each such communications method to determine, partially or wholly,which transaction history, account data, metric, desired transaction,incentive, or presentation yields the best or optimal results over timeor based upon any available information, including, for example, anyavailable or otherwise accessible customer, business or sponsorinformation or objectives or by tracking actual activities and resultsor changes in behavior as expected or predicted by customers or otherend users or classes or categories of uses or by device, location orpayment method. In a further embodiment, one or more of the aboveoperations are performed using the AIP.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for an example system 300 for generating andtransmitting an order initiation offer to a wireless communicationsdevice (WCD). System 300 includes: identification element 302,eligibility element 304, executable element 306, offer element 308,transceiver element 310, and order initiation element 311, all locatedin processor 312 of at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer 314. Alternately stated, elements 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and311, and any other elements described as being in the processor arefunctions of the processor or are functions carried out by theprocessor.

Element 302 identifies, using interface element 316, WCD 318. Theeligibility element determines if the WCD is eligible to receive orderinitiation offer 320. Offer 320 is an offer that is made that whenaccepted (further described below) initiates a transaction. Theexecutable element is arranged to generate, using one or both of rules322 and artificial intelligence program 324, at least one executable326. The set of rules and the artificial intelligence program are storedin memory unit 328. In one embodiment, the executable is generated asdisclosed by commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/983,679:“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, AND RUNNING EXECUTABLES INA BUSINESS SYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USER DEFINED RULES ANDARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filed Nov. 9, 2007.

In one embodiment, computer 314 receives at least one modifying rule 372from a WCD and stores the rule in memory 328. In another embodiment, theWCD is WCD 318. The executable element modifies executable 326 usingrule 372. The WCD generates rule 372, and the executable elementmodifies executable 326 as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/151,043, titled: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OFBUSINESS EXECUTABLES USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTEDAMONG MULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2,2008.

In one embodiment, computer 374, separate from computer 314, transmitsmodifying rule 376 to computer 314. Computer 374 can be in location 332or can be in a different location. Computer 374 can be associated with abusiness entity associated with location 332 or can be associated with adifferent business entity. Connection 377 between computers 314 and 374is any type known in the art. In another embodiment (not shown),multiple computers 374 are included and respective computers among themultiple computers can be associated with the same or different businessentities. Computer 314 stores modifying rule 376 in memory 328. Element306 modifies executable 326 using rule 376. Computer 374 generates rule376, and element 306 modifies executable 326, respectively, as describedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, titled: “METHOD ANDSYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESS EXECUTABLES USING GENETICALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONG MULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,”inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008.

The executable is directed toward determining an offer that is mostacceptable to an end user of the WCD and best meets prescribed criteriaof the entity making the offer. For example, acceptability could bebased on price, free items, or other criteria mentioned below. Rules 322or program 324 are used to find the appropriate combination ofacceptability and entity criteria.

The offer element generates, for an eligible WCD and using the at leastone executable, an appropriate order initiation offer 320. In general,the core of offer 320 is shaped by, determined by, or consists ofexecutable 326. The transceiver element transmits, using the interfaceelement, the appropriate order initiation offer 320 to wirelesscommunications network 330 for transmission to the WCD. The transceiverelement also is arranged to receive, via the interface element, response331, including an order, from the WCD. Element 311 initiates fulfillmentof the order by any means known in the art.

The interface element can connect with the device, system, or networkexternal to the computer, for example, network 330, using any meansknown in the art, including, but not limited to a hardwire connection,an optical connection, an Internet connection, or a radio frequencyconnection. Processor 312 and interface element 316 can be any processoror interface element, respectively, or combination thereof, known in theart.

Computer 314 can be any computer or plurality of computers known in theart. In one embodiment, the computer is located in a retail locationwith which system 300 is associated, for example, location 332. Inanother embodiment (not shown), all or parts of the computer are remotefrom retail locations with which system 300 is associated. In a furtherembodiment, computer 314 is associated with a plurality of retaillocations with which system 300 is associated. Thus, the computerprovides the functionality described for more than one retail location.In one embodiment, offer 320 is for an item, good, or service providedby the entity associated with location 332.

A WCD is defined supra. WCD 318 can be any WCD known in the art. In oneembodiment, WCD 318 is owned by, leased by, or otherwise already inpossession of the end user when system 300 interfaces with the WCD. Inthe description that follows, it is assumed that the WCD is owned by,leased by, or otherwise already in possession of the end user whensystem 300 interfaces with the WCD. In general, the WCD communicateswith a network, for example, network 330, via radio-frequency connection334. Network 330 can be any network known in the art. In one embodiment,the network is located outside of the retail location, for example, thenetwork is a commercial cellular telephone network. In one embodiment(not shown), the network is located in a retail location, for example,the network is a local network, such as a Bluetooth network. Theinterface element can connect with network 330 using any means known inthe art, including, but not limited to a hardwire connection, an opticalconnection, an Internet connection, or a radio frequency connection. Inthe figures, a non-limiting example of a hardwire connection 336 isshown. In one embodiment, device 318 is connectable to a docking station(not shown) to further enable communication between device 318 andsystem 300. Any docking station or docking means known in the art can beused. That is, when the device is connected to the docking station, alink is established between the device and system 300.

In a first embodiment, system 300 includes location element 338 in theprocessor, which determines, using the interface element, location 340for the WCD. The location of the WCD can be determined using any meansknown in the art, including, but not limited to, GPS technology andinformation from network 330. Then, the eligibility element determineseligibility in response to location 340, the executable elementgenerates the at least one executable responsive to location 340, or theoffer element generates an appropriate order initiation offer responsiveto location 340. It should be understood that any combination of theeligibility, executable, and offer elements can operate responsive tolocation 340. Any criteria known in the art can be used to control theoperation of the eligibility, executable, and offer elements responsiveto location 340. For example, the elements can operate when the WCD iswithin a certain specified distance from one or more retail locations,for example, location 332; the elements can operate to generate offer320 for a specific retail location according to location 340; or theelements can operate to generate offer 320 offering options with respectto a plurality of retail locations (not shown) based on respectivedistances of the WCD from the plurality of locations.

In a second embodiment, system 300 includes transaction element 342 thataccesses transaction history 344, stored in the memory unit, for the WCDor an end user (not shown) associated with the WCD. In one embodiment,the history is stored in a separate computer system (not shown) accessedby system 300. The eligibility element determines eligibility inresponse to history 344, the executable element generates the at leastone executable responsive to history 344, or the offer element generatesan appropriate order initiation offer responsive to history 344. Itshould be understood that any combination of the eligibility,executable, and offer elements can operate responsive to history 344.

Any criteria known in the art can be used to control the operation ofthe eligibility, executable, and offer elements responsive to history344. For example, executable 326 can be generated in response to trendsnoted in the history. The executable can be directed to a continuationof the trend or can derive variants from the trend that may beacceptable to the end user and in the interest of the retail location.Further, the continuation or variants can be aligned with parametersdefined for the retail location. For example, the executable can beaddressed to a desired promotion, conditions at the retail location,such as stock on hand, or attempts to increase a total bill for the enduser.

In another embodiment, history 344 includes searches made using the WCDor communications by the WCD. Alternately stated, system 300 is linkedto search browsers associated with the WCD. Any type of search or WCDcommunication known in the art can be included in history 344. Forexample, if the WCD has been used to search for products typicallyavailable at a retail location similar to location 332, the offerelement generates offers for transmission to the WCD when the WCD iswithin a specified location of such a retail location, for example,location 332. As another example, the communications can be, but are notlimited to, telephone calls or email messages to a specific retaillocation or to a category of retail locations. As another example, ifhistory 344 shows that the WCD has communicated with location 332, theneligibility or the offer can be tailored in response to thisinformation.

In a third embodiment, the eligibility element determines eligibility inresponse to a time of day, in general, the time of day when the WCD isidentified, the executable element generates the at least one executableresponsive to the time of day, or the offer element generates anappropriate order initiation offer responsive to the time of day. Itshould be understood that any combination of the eligibility,executable, and offer elements can operate responsive to the time ofday. Any criteria known in the art can be used to control the operationof the eligibility, executable, and offer elements responsive to thetime of day. For example, executable 326 can be generated in response totrends for an end user with respect to the time of day or withparameters for the retail location associated with the time of day. Theexecutable can be directed to a continuation of the trend or can derivevariants from the trend that may be acceptable to the end user. Further,the continuation or variants can be aligned with parameters defined forthe retail location. For example, the executable can be addressed to adesired promotion, conditions at the retail location, such as stock onhand, or attempts to increase a total bill for the end user.

In a fourth embodiment, the eligibility element determines eligibilityin response to the day of the week, the executable element generates theat least one executable responsive to the day of the week, or whereinthe offer element generates an appropriate order initiation offerresponsive to the day of the week. It should be understood that anycombination of the eligibility, executable, and offer elements canoperate responsive to the day of the week. Any criteria known in the artcan be used to control the operation of the eligibility, executable, andoffer elements responsive to the day of the week. For example,executable 326 can be generated in response to trends for an end userwith respect to the day of the week or with parameters for the retaillocation associated with the day. In general, this embodiment operatessimilar to the embodiment directed to the time of day.

In a fifth embodiment, system 300 includes volume element 346, in theprocessor, which determines transaction volume 348 for at least oneretail location, for example, location 332. Element 346 can use anymeans known in the art to determine volume 348. In one embodiment,element 346 interfaces with another computer system (not shown)associated with location 332 to determine or obtain volume 348. Theeligibility element determines eligibility in response to volume 348,the executable element generates the at least one executable responsiveto volume 348, or the offer element generates an appropriate orderinitiation offer responsive to volume 348. It should be understood thatany combination of the eligibility, executable, and offer elements canoperate responsive to volume 348. Any criteria known in the art can beused to control the operation of the eligibility, executable, and offerelements responsive to volume 348. For example, executable 326 can begenerated to create offers that are higher profit (may be lessacceptable to an end user) if the volume is high or can generate lowerprofit (more acceptable offers) if the volume is low. Also, executable326 can be refined to address respective volume data for variousproducts or groups of products, rather than overall volume.

In a sixth embodiment, system 300 includes order element 350, in theprocessor, which determine whether an order (not shown) has been placedpreviously using the WCD. In one embodiment, element 350 interfaces withanother computer system (not shown) associated with location 332 todetermine or obtain information regarding a previous order. Then, theeligibility element determines eligibility in response to whether anorder has been placed previously using the WCD, the executable elementgenerates the at least one executable responsive to whether an order hasbeen placed previously using the WCD, or the offer element generates anappropriate order initiation offer responsive to whether an order hasbeen placed previously using the WCD. It should be understood that anycombination of the eligibility, executable, and offer elements canoperate responsive to whether an order has been placed previously usingthe WCD. Any criteria known in the art can be used to control theoperation of the eligibility, executable, and offer elements responsiveto whether an order has been placed previously using the WCD. Forexample, executable 326 can be generated to present more acceptable(perhaps lower profit) offers to first time orders from the WCD or canpresent more acceptable offers to reward continued use of the WCD toplace orders.

In a seventh embodiment, element 350 determines whether an order hasbeen placed previously using the WCD during a specified time of day or aspecified day of the week. Then, the eligibility element determineseligibility in response to whether an order has been placed previouslyusing the WCD during a specified time of day or a specified day of theweek, the executable element generates the at least one executableresponsive to whether an order has been placed previously using the WCDduring a specified time of day or a specified day of the week, or theoffer element generates an appropriate order initiation offer responsiveto whether an order has been placed previously using the WCD during aspecified time of day or a specified day of the week. It should beunderstood that any combination of the eligibility, executable, andoffer elements can operate responsive to whether an order has beenplaced previously using the WCD during a specified time of day or aspecified day of the week. Any criteria known in the art can be used tocontrol the operation of the eligibility, executable, and offer elementsresponsive to whether an order has been placed previously using the WCDduring a specified time of day or a specified day of the week. Thisembodiment is a refinement of the previous embodiment. For example,additional temporal criteria are added to the generation of theexecutable.

In an eighth embodiment, the eligibility element generates, using atleast one of set of rules 352 and artificial intelligence program 354,at least one executable 356. Set of rules 352 and artificialintelligence program 354 are stored in the memory unit. The eligibilityelement is arranged to determine if the WCD is eligible to receive anorder initiation using executable 356. In one embodiment, executable 356is generated as disclosed by commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/983,679: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING, SELECTING, ANDRUNNING EXECUTABLES IN A BUSINESS SYSTEM UTILIZING A COMBINATION OF USERDEFINED RULES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,” inventors Otto et al., filedNov. 9, 2007.

In one embodiment, computer 314 receives at least one modifying rule 378from a WCD and stores the rule in memory 328. In another embodiment, theWCD is WCD 318. Element 304 modifies executable 356 using rule 378. TheWCD generates rule 378 and element 304 modifies executable 356 asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, titled:“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESS EXECUTABLESUSING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONG MULTIPLE HARDWAREDEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008.

In one embodiment, computer 374 transmits at least one modifying rule380 to computer 314. Computer 314 stores modifying rule 380 in memory328. Element 304 modifies executable 356, using rule 380. Computer 374generates rule 380, and element 304 modifies executable 356,respectively, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/151,043, titled: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OFBUSINESS EXECUTABLES USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTEDAMONG MULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2,2008.

In one embodiment, the eligibility element determines if an end userassociated with the WCD is eligible for the order initiation offer. Thatis, the criteria with respect to eligibility are with respect to an enduser of the WCD. In another embodiment, system 300 includes receivingelement 358, in the processor, arranged to receive, using the interfaceelement, transmission 360 from the WCD via the communication network.The identification element identifies the WCD in response to thetransmission, using any means known in the art. That is, rather thansystem 300 contacting the WCD to initiate the operations noted above,system 300 initiates the operations after being contacted by the WCD.

In a further embodiment, system 300 includes inventory element 362, inthe processor, which obtains inventory information 364. In general,information 364 related to inventory availability, for example, aninventory of product or services in stock or ready for purchase at theretail location. For example, in a restaurant, information 364 might beregarding the number and type of already-prepared breakfast items at therestaurant. In a location selling durable goods, such as appliances, theinformation could be regarding whether various of the durable goods arein stock at the retail location. In yet another embodiment, element 362interfaces with another system, for example, a local or centralizedcomputer system associated with operations at the retail location, toobtain information 364, or to obtain data to determine information 364.In a still further embodiment, element 362 compiles the data necessaryto determine information 364. For example, operations at the retaillocation are processed by computer 314. The eligibility elementdetermines eligibility in response to inventory information, forexample, if there is a surplus of items on hand, the requirements foreligibility can be loosened, the executable element generates the atleast one executable responsive to inventory information, or the offerelement generates an appropriate order initiation offer responsive toinventory information, for example, if the supply of items on hand islow, offers for that item can be made more profitable for the retaillocation.

In one embodiment, system 300 includes registration element 366, in theprocessor, which communicates with the WCD through the transceiverelement. Element 366 transmits information 368 regarding registration ofa WCD with system 300, for example, soliciting registration, providinginstructions for registering, and promoting registration. Element 366also receives registration information 370 for the WCD.

In one embodiment, memory element 382 in WCD 318 stores at least onerule 384. Processor 399 in the WCD implements offer 320 according torule 384. The WCD generates rule 384, and operates on offer 320 asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, titled:“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESS EXECUTABLESUSING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONG MULTIPLE HARDWAREDEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008.

In one embodiment the offer element determines redemption rate 385 foroffer 326. The executable element generates at least one executable 386,using the redemption rate, and at least one of set of rules 387 orartificial intelligence program 388 stored in memory unit 328. The offerelement generates appropriate order initiation offer 389 usingexecutable 386, and the transmission element transmits, using theinterface element, offer 389 to the wireless communications network fortransmission to the WCD.

In another embodiment, the offer element modifies, using the redemptionrate, rules 322 or artificial intelligence program 324 to create rules387 or artificial intelligence program 388, respectively.

In a further embodiment, offers 320 and 389 are transmitted to the WCDregardless of the location of the WCD with respect to a businesslocation, for example, location 332, and stored in memory 382. Thelocation element determines, using the interface element, when the WCDis within a specified distance (not shown) of the business location andretrieves, using the interface element, offer 320 or 389 from memory 382for presentation, for example, on a point of sale station for thebusiness location. In another embodiment, offers 320 and 389 are storedin memory 328 until the location element, using the interface element,identifies the WCD as being within a specified distance (not shown) ofthe business location, at which time offers 320 and 389 are transmittedto the WCD.

In one embodiment, computer 314 receives at least one modifying rule 390from a WCD and stores the rule in memory 328. In another embodiment, theWCD is WCD 318. Element 306 modifies executable 386 using rule 390. TheWCD generates rule 390 and element 306 modifies executable 186 asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/151,043, titled:“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESS EXECUTABLESUSING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONG MULTIPLE HARDWAREDEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008.

In one embodiment, computer 374 transmits at least one modifying rule391 to computer 314. Computer 314 stores modifying rule 391 in memory328. Element 306 modifies executable 386, using rule 391. Computer 374generates rule 391, and element 306 modifies executable 386,respectively, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/151,043,titled: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRALIZED GENERATION OF BUSINESSEXECUTABLES USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS AND RULES DISTRIBUTED AMONGMULTIPLE HARDWARE DEVICES,” inventors Otto et al., filed May 2, 2008.

It should be understood that various storage and removal operations, notexplicitly described above, involving memory 328 and as known in theart, are possible with respect to the operation of system 300. Forexample, outputs from and inputs to the general-purpose computer can bestored and retrieved from the memory elements and data generated by theprocessor can be stored in and retrieved from the memory.

It should be understood that the locating element can determine thedistance of the WCD from more than one business, or retail, location. Italso should be understood that the offer element can generate andtransmit more than one offer for a business location and can generaterespective offers for more than one business location or entity. It alsoshould be understood that a plurality of distance and offer criteria andmetrics can be used by the location and offer elements to determine adistance to use and to generate an offer, respectively. The criteria andmetrics can include, but are not limited to, information specific tooperations at a particular business entity or business location,geographical information, and temporal aspects, such as time of day.

It should be understood that system 300 can be operated by the samebusiness entity operating or owning a business location using thesystem, or can be operated by a third party different than the businessentity operating or owning the business location using the system. Inone embodiment, a third party operates system 300 as disclosed bycommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/985,141: “UPSELLSYSTEM EMBEDDED IN A SYSTEM AND CONTROLLED BY A THIRD PARTY,” inventorsOtto et al., filed Nov. 13, 2007.

It should be understood that system 300 can be integral with a computeroperating system for a business location, for example, location 332 orwith a business entity operating the business location. It also shouldbe understood that system 300 can be wholly or partly separate from thecomputer operating system for a retail location, for example, location332, or with a business entity operating the business location.

It should be understood that although individual rule sets andartificial intelligence programs are discussed, the individual rule setsand AI programs can be combined into composite rules sets or artificialintelligence programs. Any combination of individual rule sets orartificial intelligence programs is included in the spirit and scope ofthe claimed invention. For example, rules 322 and 352 can be a singleset of rules (not shown) or artificial intelligence programs 324 and 354can be a single program (not shown).

It should be understood that the examples above regarding executablesare non-limiting, are meant to provide only a broad overview, and do notaddress the number, complexity, structure, or interrelationships of theoperations included in the actual generation of the executables.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for generating and transmitting an order initiation offer to awireless communications device (WCD). Although the method in FIG. 4 isdepicted as a sequence of numbered steps for clarity, no order should beinferred from the numbering unless explicitly stated. The method startsat Step 400. Step 404 identifies, using a processor and an interfaceelement in at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, aWCD. Step 416 determines, using the processor, if the WCD is eligible toreceive an order initiation offer. Step 418 generates, using theprocessor and at least one of a set of rules or an artificialintelligence program, at least one executable, the set of rules and theartificial intelligence program stored in a memory unit for the at leastone general-purpose computer. Step 420, for an eligible WCD, generates,using the processor and the at least one executable, an appropriateorder initiation offer. Step 422 transmits, using the processor and theinterface element, the appropriate order initiation offer to a wirelesscommunications network for transmission to the eligible WCD.

In a first embodiment, step 406 determines, using the processor and theinterface element, a location for the WCD and determining if the WCD iseligible to receive an order initiation offer includes determining inresponse to the location, generating at least one executable includesgenerating the at least one executable responsive to the location, orgenerating an appropriate order initiation offer includes generating theappropriate order initiation offer responsive to the location.

In a second embodiment, step 408 accesses a transaction history, storedin the memory unit, for an end user associated with the WCD anddetermining if the WCD is eligible to receive an order initiation offerincludes determining in response to the transaction history, andgenerating at least one executable includes generating the at least oneexecutable responsive to the transaction history, or generating anappropriate order initiation offer includes generating the appropriateorder initiation offer responsive to the transaction history. In oneembodiment, the history includes searches made using the WCD orcommunications by the WCD. Alternately stated, the method links tosearch browsers associated with the WCD. Any type of search or WCDcommunication known in the art can be included in the history. Forexample, if the WCD has been used to search for products typicallyavailable at a retail location similar to the retail location, step 420generates offers for transmission to the WCD when the WCD is within aspecified location of such a retail location. As another example, thecommunications can be, but are not limited to, telephone calls or emailmessages to a specific retail location or to a category of retaillocations. As another example, if the history shows that the WCD hascommunicated with the retail location, then steps 416 or 420 can betailored in response to this information.

In a third embodiment, step 410 determines, using the processor, atransaction volume for at least one retail location and determining ifthe WCD is eligible to receive an order initiation offer includesdetermining in response to the transaction volume, and generating atleast one executable includes generating the at least one executableresponsive to the transaction volume, or generating an appropriate orderinitiation offer includes generating the appropriate order initiationoffer responsive to the transaction volume.

In a fourth embodiment, step 412 determines, using the processor,whether an order has been placed previously using the WCD anddetermining if the WCD is eligible to receive an order initiation offerincludes determining in response to whether an order has been placedpreviously using the WCD, and generating at least one executableincludes generating the at least one executable responsive to whether anorder has been placed previously using the WCD, or generating anappropriate order initiation offer includes generating the appropriateorder initiation offer responsive to whether an order has been placedpreviously using the WCD.

In a fifth embodiment, step 414 determines, using the processor, whetheran order has been placed previously using the WCD during a specifiedtime of day or a specified day of the week and determining if the WCD iseligible to receive an order initiation offer includes determining inresponse to whether an order has been placed previously using the WCDduring the specified time of day or the specified day of the week, andgenerating at least one executable includes generating the at least oneexecutable responsive to whether an order has been placed previouslyusing the WCD during the specified time of day or the specified day ofthe week, or generating an appropriate order initiation offer includesgenerating the appropriate order initiation offer responsive to whetheran order has been placed previously using the WCD during the specifiedtime of day or the specified day of the week.

In a sixth embodiment, step 416 obtains, using the processor, inventoryinformation and determining if the WCD is eligible to receive an orderinitiation offer includes determining in response to the inventoryinformation, and generating at least one executable includes generatingthe at least one executable responsive to the inventory information, orgenerating an appropriate order initiation offer includes generating theappropriate order initiation offer responsive to the inventoryinformation.

In a seventh embodiment, step 424 determines, using the processor, aredemption rate for the first appropriate order initiation offer; step426 generates, using the processor, the redemption rate, and at leastone of a second set of rules and a second artificial intelligenceprogram stored in the memory unit, at least one second executable; step428 generates, using the processor and the at least one secondexecutable, a second appropriate order initiation offer; and step 430transmits, using the processor and the interface element, the secondappropriate order initiation offer to the wireless communicationsnetwork for transmission to the eligible WCD. In an eighth embodiment,step 432 modifies, using the processor and the redemption rate, the atleast one of a first set of rules and a first artificial intelligenceprogram to create the at least one of a second set of rules and a secondartificial intelligence program.

In a ninth embodiment, determining, using the processor, if the WCD iseligible to receive an order initiation offer includes using at leastone of the set of rules or the artificial intelligence program. In atenth embodiment, determining if the WCD is eligible to receive an orderinitiation offer includes determining if an end user associated with theWCD is eligible for the order initiation offer. In an eleventhembodiment, determining if the WCD is eligible to receive an orderinitiation offer includes determining eligibility in response to thetime of day, generating at least one executable includes generating theat least one executable responsive to the time of day, or generating anappropriate order initiation offer includes generating the appropriateorder initiation offer responsive to the time of day. In a twelfthembodiment, determining if the WCD is eligible to receive an orderinitiation offer includes determining in response to a day of the week,generating at least one executable includes generating the at least oneexecutable responsive to the day of the week, or generating anappropriate order initiation offer includes generating the appropriateorder initiation offer responsive to the day of the week.

In a thirteenth embodiment, step 402 receives, using the processor andthe interface element, a transmission from the WCD via the communicationnetwork and identifying a WCD includes identifying the WCD in responseto the transmission.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for present invention system 500 forgenerating a real time offer or a deferred offer. The following shouldbe viewed in light of FIGS. 3 through 5. System 500 is based on system300 described in FIG. 3. Interface element 316 receives order 502 froman end user device (EUD). The EUD can be any EUD known in the art. Inone embodiment, the EUD is WCD 318. In another embodiment (not shown),the EUD is one of a self-serve kiosk, a point of sale terminal, or acard authorization terminal. In the discussion that follows, the EUD isWCD 318; however, it should be understood that the discussion isapplicable to any EUD known in the art.

The interface device stores the order in memory 328. In one embodiment,order 502 is the same as order 331. Order 502 includes at least one itemor service 504 available from a business entity associated with location332 (hereafter referred to as the first business entity). The followingdiscussion is generally directed to an item 504; however, it should beunderstood that the discussion also is applicable to a service 504.System 500 also includes offer element 506, which generates offers 508or 510 prior to completion, or fulfillment, of order 502 by the firstbusiness entity and transmits the offer(s) to the EUD. That is, offers508 or 510 are transmitted to the EUD as part of the process ofaccepting and fulfilling order 502. For example, if location 332 is arestaurant, offers 508 or 510 are transmitted to the EUD before a foodorder is completed and made available to the customer placing order 502.In one embodiment, both offers are generated and transmitted. In anotherembodiment, only one or the other of the offers is generated andtransmitted.

The offer element generates offer 508 using at least one of a set ofrules 512 or artificial intelligence program 514 stored in memory unit328. In general, the use of an AI program in system 500 includes thegeneration of one or more executables that are used to generate ormodify an offer or constitute the offer. Offer 508 includes at least oneitem or service available from the first business entity and isfulfillable as part of the order. That is, the item or service includedin offer 508 can be added to order 502. For example, if the firstbusiness entity is a restaurant and order 502 is for food items, a fooditem in offer 508 can be added to the food items in order 502 and therespective food items in order 502 and offer 508 can be presentedtogether.

The offer element generates offer 510 using at least one of a set ofrules 516 or artificial intelligence program 518 stored in memory unit328. Offer 510 includes at least one item or service available from thefirst business entity and is fulfillable after fulfillment of the orderby the first business entity. That is, the item or service included inoffer 510 is not be added to order 502, but is fulfillable as a futureorder (not shown). In one embodiment, offer 510 is a printed orelectronic coupon that is redeemable (depending on payment arrangementsdescribed infra) at a later date. For example, if the first businessentity is a restaurant a food item in offer 510 is not added to order502, but instead is in the form of a coupon for later redemption. Inanother embodiment, one or both of offers 508 and 510 include anyincentive known in the art.

In a first embodiment, rules 512 and 516 are the same or artificialintelligence programs 514 and 518 are the same. In a second embodiment,offers 508 and 510 are the same. In a third embodiment, offers 508 and510 include respective items or services that are the same. In a fourthembodiment, offers 508 and 510 include respective items or services thatare different. In a fifth embodiment, offers 508 and 510 includerespective incentives that are the same. In a sixth embodiment, offers508 and 510 include respective incentives that are different.

In one embodiment, offer 510 is not made available to an end user of theEUD until payment is received for the offer. For example, informationregarding the offer, such as items, services, or incentives in theoffer, is transmitted to the EUD, along with the price for obtaining theoffer, for example, receiving a redeemable coupon for the offer. Then,upon receipt of payment, using any means known in the art, for offer510, the offer is validated for the EUD, for example, by transmitting aredeemable coupon, such as an electronic coupon, to the EUD.

In another embodiment, offer 510 is made available to an end user of theEUD before payment is received for the offer. For example, anon-redeemable coupon for items, services, or incentives included in theoffer is transmitted to the EUD. Then, in order to redeem the coupon,payment must be provided, using any means known in the art, for offer510. Any redemption/payment arrangement, such as printed or electroniccoupons, known in the art can be used.

In a further embodiment, the offer element determines, using at leastone of set of rules 520 or artificial intelligence program 522 stored inthe memory unit, whether to transmit offer 510 before or after receiptof payment for the second offer. For example, the offer elementdetermines whether to present offer 510 as a coupon that must be paidfor in advance or as a coupon that can be paid for (and made redeemable)at a later date. In a still further embodiment, two or more of rules512, 516, or 520 are the same or two or more of programs 514, 518, or522 are the same.

In one embodiment, the offer element determines, using at least one ofset of rules 556 or artificial intelligence program 558 stored in thememory unit, whether to generate and transmit both offers 508 and 510 orwhether to generate and transmit only one of offers 508 or 510. Inanother embodiment, if only one of the offers is generated andtransmitted, the offer element determines, using at least one of set ofrules 560 or artificial intelligence program 562 stored in the memoryunit, which of the offers to generate and transmit. In a furtherembodiment, two or more of rules 512, 516, 520, 556, or 560 are the sameor two or more of programs 514, 518, 522, 558, or 562 are the same.

In one embodiment, the interface element is arranged to receive, atleast one rule 524 from WCD 526, or from general-purpose computer 528associated with a business entity and stores rule 524 in memory element328. The business entity associated with computer 528 can be related toor the same as the business entity for location 332 or can be a separatebusiness entity. In another embodiment (not shown), multiple computers528 are included and respective computers among the multiple computerscan be associated with the same or different business entities. Offerelement 506 modifies offers 508 or 510 using rule 524 and transmits,using the interface element, modified offers 508 or 510 to the EUD. WCD526 is connected to wireless communications network 530 with radiofrequency connection 532. Network 530 is connected to computer 314 withhardwire connection 534. Connection 536 between computers 314 and 528can be any type known in the art. The discussion, in the description ofFIG. 3, of WCD 318 and network 330 is applicable to WCD 526 and network530, respectively. The discussion, in the description of FIG. 3, of WCD318 and rules 372 and 378 is applicable to WCD 526 and rule 524,respectively.

In one embodiment, WCD 538 includes memory element 540 and processor542. WCD 538 stores at least one rule 544 in the memory element andprocessor 542 executes offer 508 or offer 510 according to rule 544. Inanother embodiment, processor 542 executes modified offer 508 ormodified offer 510 according to rule 544. WCD 538 is connected towireless communications network 546 with radio frequency connection 548.Network 546 is connected to computer 314 with hardwire connection 550.The discussion, in the description of FIG. 3, of WCD 318 and network 330is applicable to WCD 538 and network 546, respectively. The discussion,in the description of FIG. 3, of WCD 318 and rule 384 is applicable toWCD 538 and rule 544, respectively.

In a further embodiment, if an acceptance of offer 508 or offer 510 isnot received by the interface element from the EUD upon completion oforder 502, one or both of offer 508 or offer 510 is retransmitted to theEUD. In yet another embodiment, the offer element determines a timeframe for retransmission or whether to retransmit one or both of theoffers using at least one of a set of rules 552 or artificialintelligence program 554 stored in memory unit 328. In yet a furtherembodiment, two or more of rules 512, 516, 520, 552, 556, or 560 are thesame or two or more of programs 514, 518, 522, 554, 558, or 562 are thesame.

It should be understood that system 500 can be operated by the samebusiness entity operating or owning a business location using thesystem, or can be operated by a third party different than the businessentity operating or owning the business location using the system. Inone embodiment, a third party operates system 500 as disclosed bycommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/985,141: “UPSELLSYSTEM EMBEDDED IN A SYSTEM AND CONTROLLED BY A THIRD PARTY,” inventorsOtto et al., filed Nov. 13, 2007.

In yet another embodiment, third party offers can be made by system 500.For example, an incentive in offers 508 or 510 can be an item or serviceprovided by a third party (for example, a party or entity different thanthe first business entity). If the offer is accepted, system 500transmits billing and delivery information to the third party forfulfillment. In one embodiment, the third party pays a finder's fee, forexample, to the first business entity and charges the fulfillment to aWCD.

It should be understood that system 500 can be integral with a computeroperating system for a business location, for example, location 332 orwith a business entity operating the business location. It also shouldbe understood that system 500 can be wholly or partly separate from thecomputer operating system for a retail location, for example, location332 or with a business entity operating the retail location.

It should be understood that the examples above regarding executables orother operations by artificial intelligence programs are non-limiting,are meant to provide only a broad overview, and do not address thenumber, complexity, structure, or interrelationships of the operationsincluded in the actual generation of the executables or functioning ofthe artificial intelligence programs. It also should be understood thatalthough individual rule sets and AI programs are discussed, theindividual rule sets and AI programs can be combined into rules sets orAI programs including more than one of the individual rule sets or AIprograms, respectively.

In a first embodiment, a present invention system or method presents andoffer during transactions for items or services that can be added to apurchase total. In one embodiment, the offer, for example, offer 508enables an end user to add an item or service to an order immediately.In another embodiment, the offer, for example, offer 510, enables theend user to accept a coupon for an item or service that can be redeemedat a later date. In a further embodiment, if the customer chooses toaccept the item immediately, the item can added to the order, forexample, order 502, the purchase total is adjusted, and, if appropriate,the item is incorporated into the fulfillment of order 502. In yetanother embodiment, if the customer chooses to accept the coupon, theorder total is adjusted and a coupon is printed.

In a first embodiment, the coupons that are printed are prepaid and caninclude total transaction information. When the coupons are redeemed,the coupons can instantly initiate a new transaction by adding theprepaid item or service to the order. In a second embodiment, thecoupons that are printed are not prepaid and can include totaltransaction information. When the coupons are presented for redemption,the coupons can instantly initiate a new transaction starting with theitem or service in the coupon. In a third embodiment, the offersinterrupt the transaction for order 502 or are available as a sub menuthat the end user can select to see available offers.

In one embodiment, the nature or specifics of offer 508 or offer 510 arenot provided when the offer is transmitted to the EUD. That is, theoffers are “mystery” offers. In another embodiment, the recipient ofoffer 508 or offer 510 is required to log on to a website (not shown)associated with system 500 and enter a code provided with offer 508 oroffer 510 to see what items or services can be redeemed for offer 508 oroffer 510.

A coupon associated with offer 508 or offer 510 can be paper orelectronic. An electronic coupon can be transmitted to the EUD, usingany means known in the art, including, but not limited to, transmittingor emailing to a WCD. In one embodiment, when the device is identifiedat the store again, the electronic coupon can instantly start the orderwith the specified item. In one embodiment, detection and use of alocation for a EUD is as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/151,038, filed May 2, 2008 and entitled: “Method and Apparatus ForGenerating and Transmitting an Order Initiation Offer to a WirelessCommunications Device.” The coupon does not actually need to betransmitted to the device—the POS system can store the cell phone id andthe next time the cell phone id is identified, it can retrieve thecoupon that has been stored in the system.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for generating a real time offer and/or a deferred offer.Although the method in FIG. 6 (and FIG. 7, infra) is depicted as asequence of numbered steps for clarity, no order should be inferred fromthe numbering unless explicitly stated. The method starts at Step 600.Step 602 receives, using an interface element in at least one speciallyprogrammed general-purpose computer, an order from an end user device(EUD), the order including a first item or service available from afirst business entity. Step 604 generates, prior to completion of theorder by the first business entity and using a processor in the at leastone specially programmed general-purpose computer and at least one of afirst set of rules or a first artificial intelligence program stored ina memory unit for the at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer, a first offer fulfillable as part of the order. Step 606generates, prior to completion of the order by the first business entityand using the processor and at least one of a second set of rules or asecond artificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, asecond offer fulfillable after fulfillment of the order by the firstbusiness entity. Step 608 transmits, using the interface element, thefirst and second offers to the EUD.

In a first embodiment, the first and second sets of rules are the sameor the first and second artificial intelligence programs are the same.In a second embodiment, the first and second offers are the same. In athird embodiment, the first and second offers include second and thirditems or services, respectively and the second and third items orservices are the same or the second and third items or services aredifferent. In a fourth embodiment, the first and second offers includefirst and second incentives, respectively and the first and secondincentives are the same or the first and second incentives aredifferent.

In one embodiment, step 610 determines, using the processor and at leastone of a third set of rules or a third artificial intelligence programstored in the memory unit, whether to transmit the second offer beforeor after receipt of payment for the second offer. In another embodiment,step 612 stores at least one third rule in a memory element for the WCDand step 614 executes, using a processor in the WCD, the first or secondoffer according to the at least one third rule. In a further embodiment,step 616 receives, using the interface element, at least one third rulefrom a WCD, or from a general-purpose computer associated with a secondbusiness entity; step 618 stores the at least one third rule in thememory element; and step 620 modifies the first or second offer usingthe processor and the at least one third rule. In yet anotherembodiment, the first and second business entities are the same.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a present invention computer-basedmethod for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer. The methodstarts at step 700. Step 702 receives, using an interface element in atleast one specially programmed general-purpose computer, an order froman end user device (EUD), the order including a first item or serviceavailable from a first business entity. Step 704 generates, prior tofulfillment of the order by the first business entity and using aprocessor in the at least one specially programmed general-purposecomputer and at least one of a first set of rules or a first artificialintelligence program stored in a memory unit for the at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, a first offer fulfillableas part of the order; or generates, prior to fulfillment of the order bythe first business entity and using the processor and at least one of asecond set of rules or a second artificial intelligence program storedin the memory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of theorder by the first business entity. Step 706 transmits, using theinterface element, the first or second offer to the EUD. In oneembodiment, step 708 determines, using the processor and at least one ofa third set of rules or a third artificial intelligence program storedin the memory unit, whether to generate and transmit the first offer orthe second offer. In another embodiment, one or more of the first,second, or third sets of rules are the same or one or more of the first,second, or third artificial intelligence programs are the same.

The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 3 through 7. Thefollowing is a non-limiting example of a present invention system ormethod. A fast serve restaurant is used to illustrate operation of apresent invention system or method; however, it should be understoodthat a present invention system or method is not limited to use with afast serve restaurant and that operation of a present invention systemor method with any business entity providing an item or service to acustomer is included within the spirit and scope of the claimedinvention. The customer is an end user of WCD 318. Order 502 is placedby WCD 318 and restaurant 332 places the order in the appropriate queue.When the order is ready for the customer, for example, the item or itemsin the order are cooked or assembled, offers 508 and 510 are generatedby the offer element and sent to WCD 318 along with a notice to the EUDthat the order is complete. The discussion, in the description of FIG.3, regarding the generation of offer 320 by offer element 308 isapplicable to the generation of offers 508 and 510 by offer element 506.For example, rules, artificial intelligence, a history of an end userfor WCD 318, or parameters associated with operation of the restaurantcan be used to generate the offer.

If offer 508 is accepted, item(s) included in the offer and selectedfrom the offer are added to order 502, and, if appropriate, added to thequeue for preparation or assembly. When order 502 is ready, a message issent to WCD 318. Order 502 can be paid for by any means known in theart, for example, billed to an electronic payment system associated withWCD 318, or can be paid using conventional methods in the restaurant.The end user is prompted to enter a payment type and the transaction isflagged as “paid with device” or “requires payment” at the POS unit (notshown) of the restaurant handling order 502.

If offer 510 is accepted, a coupon for items included in the offer andselected from the offer is generated and transmitted to or otherwisemade available to an end user of the WCD. The coupon can be prepaid, forexample, as part of the payment of order 502 or can be paid for at thetime of redemption. The coupon can be paid for by any means known in theart, for example, billed to an electronic payment system associated withWCD 318, or can be paid using conventional methods in the restaurant.The end user is prompted to enter a payment type and the transaction isflagged as “paid with device” or “requires payment” at the POS unit (notshown) of the restaurant handling order 502.

In system 500, computer 314 is configured to generate and transmit anoffer, for example offer 508 or offer 510, in response to an order usingrules or AI programs. In one embodiment, a present invention system, forexample, system 500, adds additional layers of distributed control andinput or distributed control of the implementation of executables fromthe central system (computer 314). For example, computer 314 generatesand optimizes offers, for example offer 508 or offer 510, in response toan order. However, this operation is further constrained by rules, forexample, rule 524, provided an outside computer or WCD, for example,computer 528 or WCD 526. The rules specified by a business entityassociated with the outside computer, for example, computer 528, orspecified by the WCD, for example, WCD 526, can be self generated or enduser implemented. Rules or filters can all be stored at the centralsystem, or can be distributed across the various pieces of hardware insystem 500.

In another embodiment, computer 314 tracks search, purchase, and travelbehavior of a WCD, such as WCD 318. In a further embodiment, retailersmay import or otherwise access transaction history of WCD end users thatare mapped to a specific WCD or group of WCDs.

Computer 314 can use data collected from a WCD as well as the dataprovided by one or more business entities about the WCD to generateoffers to the WCD. System 500 also can serve as a point of sales systemfor the business entity associated with location 332, for example,enabling the entity to store transaction information about WCDs makingpurchases with the entity. Computer 314 can use the transaction historydata to refine offers made to WCDs. In still another embodiment,computer 314 operates as a phone service provider and web search enginefor the WCDs, enabling the computer to store a call log of the WCDswhich can be used to refine offers made to WCDs.

In one embodiment, if offer 508 or 510 is rejected, or otherwise notacted upon, an additional offer can be made and transmitted or theoriginal offer can be modified and re-transmitted as disclosed bycommonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/217,863, titled:“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO AN END USER FOR REFERRINGANOTHER END USER” inventors Otto et al., filed Jul. 9, 2008.

The present invention can use tables, rules, genetic algorithms or anycombination of the forgoing.

The following is a non-limiting example of a possible sequence for apresent invention method or system. A first general aspect is generatingan offer: receive customer ID (optional); receive order; generate offer;if offer accepted, was offer for real time; if offer was for real time,add offer item(s) to purchase total and add item to order for assemblyand fulfillment; if offer was not for real time, generate and outputcoupon; add coupon purchase to order total; receive payment; and processtransaction. A second general aspect is with respect to a storing anelectronic coupon: receive acceptance of coupon offer; receive end userID; and store coupon offer with end user ID.

The following is a non-limiting example of a possible sequence for apresent invention method or system.

-   -   1. Customer accepts a “later offer”    -   2. Printing coupon with:    -   a. Accepted offer item    -   b. Bar Code Number with a GUID—Globally Unique ID—single use        number that is linked to a database that contains the: Date and        time, transaction and store number, item number, third party or        vendor item number, menu item price, sales (discounted) price,        sales tax (estimate), store zip code, state code.    -   c. Store name and address (in customer readable format)    -   d. Expiration date (if any), which should be user definable    -   3. Using the “integrated” method, coupons may be treated as        “deferred sales.” Therefore, when the customer accepts a coupon        offer item, the system might return a “voucher” that is good for        the future delivery of a specific menu item. The voucher, which        displays the menu item selected and the total amount of the        discount off of menu item price.    -   4. Customer returns to store or location with the voucher (or        coupon) to redeem it    -   5. Cashier scans the voucher or coupon    -   6. The system attempts to validate the voucher/coupon number by:    -   a. If the system is attached to the Internet, it will look up        the number on the remote database (whether located at the retail        operator's or some other facilities, e.g., a co-lo or at the        franchisee's data center), or    -   b. If the Internet is down or if the location operator, e.g., a        franchisee has decided upon local validation only, the system        could check the number on its local database only or using a        validation algorithm, e.g., check sum or other method(s). This        database is created even if the Internet option is selected so        that there is always a local file. If the Internet option were        implemented, the system would also distribute other store's        negative file to stores within its local geographic territory        (e.g., using zip or state codes (depending upon estimated file        sizes) so that in an off-line setting, customers could still        redeem coupons at store locations other than the store where the        voucher was originally purchased). This option may require an        added level of programming sophistication, i.e., when the        Internet is back online, the system could synchronize the        various stores' databases, bringing all locations up to date.    -   7. If the voucher number is found, the system could flag the        voucher as “redeemed” in the file, along with the date, time,        store number, total check amount, other items ordered, cashier        id or name, etc.    -   8. If the voucher is valid, the offer item may be automatically        added to the order via an enhanced POS or other interface. The        improved interface would enable the start of an order and add an        item or items to the order, which could then be processed by the        POS system for production, accounting, tax and other purposes.        Once the item is added to the order, the remaining order        processing occurs as usual or the cashier can simply press the        “total” key or, as in a kiosk example, the customer could        proceed to the “checkout” button. In the case where a voucher or        coupon is prepaid, and if the customer is only redeeming the        voucher and orders nothing else, there could be a zero total        due, unless the customer is redeeming the voucher in a different        store with higher or lower taxes or differing prices, which        differences may or may not be considered when computing any        amounts due or owing.    -   9. Accounting: Coupons, e.g., vouchers, may be accounted for        using any applicable means available, including, for example,        treating these offers as deferred sales, in which cases, a        voucher may be recorded as a liability. When the voucher is        purchased, cash may be debited (for the full amount including        taxes) and deferred sales would be credited (for the full amount        less taxes) and tax liability credited for an amount equal to        the value of the taxes. When the voucher is redeemed, the menu        item is added to the order, deferred sales would be debited and        sales would be credited. Taxes were already collected and        accounted for in a previous transaction. To address these        issues, the accounting systems, including the POS, for example,        could be modified to handle the vouchers in this fashion: When        the voucher is purchased, the full amount could be credited to a        deferred sales/liability account.    -   10. If the coupon has a valid GUID, but it has already been        redeemed, then the suggestive selling or marketing system could        display a new message (to the customer) for example: “Sorry this        coupon has already been redeemed, please see the manager” (if        the coupon file indicates it has already been redeemed, or it        could say: “Sorry this is not a valid coupon.” if the GUID        cannot be found.

In one embodiment, new reports and modified reports are used be includedto track and report on:

-   -   1. Coupon accept rates, average deal value, discount amounts,        discount averages, Gross Margin, Offer Frequency, etc.    -   2. Coupon redemption rates, average days to redemption, average        check and average item counts with and without coupons. Gross        margin, average check, average item counts for orders with and        without accepts or coupons.    -   3. Estimated or calculated “breakage” i.e., after a user        specified “assumed perished date” or “expiration date”—e.g., 90        days from issuance. Breakage is defined as coupons that are        issued but are never redeemed.    -   4. Fraud measurement—i.e., frequency of failed validation        attempts (indicating attempts to revalidate a previously        redeemed coupon or possible photocopied or forged coupons. Such        fraud may include attempts at gaming or fishing the system.

In another embodiment, in addition or in the alternate, a non-integratedsystem for coupon validation may be provided, which system might includethe following key design points, including, for example, without therequirement of any (or limited) changes to the existing POS interface,or any further efforts by the POS software company: allow customers toeasily purchase and redeem coupons, while ensuring that coupons are notfalsified; permit flexibility in the coupon validation system, i.e.,permit in store, multiple store, and chain-wide validation options; andprovide for proper accounting of the entire transaction, from couponissuance and redemption to inventory control.

The following discussion provides further detail regarding a presentinvention system or method. One goal of the present invention is toconvert otherwise disinterested customers into interested customers. Forexample, customers (end users of the EUD) receive an offer, for example,offer 508, for immediate purchase and acquisition of an item or service,and customers receive an offer, for example, offer 510, to purchase theitem, good or service now or at some future date. In the event acustomer accepts an offer for a future use or purchase, such customermay receive a coupon good for such item, good or service. For example,in a quick service restaurant (QSR), location, a customer may place anorder for a Big Mac, Large Fry and Large Coke, offer 508 could include adessert item. In addition, offer 510 could include an offer to buy adessert for later consumption, e.g., next week. A customer can acceptsuch an offer for later consumption via any applicable means, including,for example, by accepting a coupon, which coupon may or may not restrictuse of such coupon until a designated later date. In one embodiment,such a coupon may be valid for use immediately or at some otherprescribed future date. In another embodiment, the coupon includes adiscount. Such discount, if any, may be for more or less or the samediscount as offered with offer 508.

In a first embodiment, coupons are valid for specified time periods ortime intervals, for example, for certain days, dates, days of the week,months, hours of the day, or any combination of these. In a secondembodiment, the coupons include other limiting language or terms, e.g.,such a coupon may or may not have an expiration date, or the discountmay expire, all at once or over a given period of time. In a thirdembodiment, the coupons include a bar code or other identification meansso that the coupon may be verified as being valid, accurate, notexpired, not previously used or redeemed or any other terms andconditions, such as time of day, day of week or other possiblerestrictions or permissions.

In one embodiment, coupon offers may be for the same or similar item(s)as in offer 508. For example, if a customer orders a Combo Meal NumberOne and offer 508 includes a dessert item, e.g., an apple pie for $0.50off, offer 510 could be for the apple pie with the same discount or mayoffer a coupon for a milkshake for $0.50 or, e.g., $0.70 off. By makingsuch offers for later consumption, Applicants have determined that agreater percentage of customers accept such offers. When presented witha choice of offers 508 and 510 (“now” or “later” offers), theprobability that an end user of the EUD may accept one or the otheroffer increases substantially. This is particularly true for thoseoffers that include a discount component or for those end users that arenot very hungry at the time, but think it is likely they will return atsome future date. In another embodiment, when an end user accepts offer510, a present invention system or method requires immediate payment toreceive a coupon. When a customer pays for a coupon, they are generallymore likely to return or redeem such coupon than if they receive thecoupon without payment.

In one embodiment, an end user can choose to accept offer 510 andreceive a coupon valid for a subsequent date or purchase, but pay forsuch coupon at a later time, either when it is convenient or when makingsuch subsequent purchase. In this case, the decision to accept thecoupon is easier as little or no cost to the customer is involved. Thismay increase the likelihood that the customer will accept the coupon.

In one embodiment, a present invention system or method makes use ofboth types of coupon offers, i.e., paid and promise to pay coupons. Insuch cases, a present invention system or method could be configuredusing a table based or rules based system to determine when or if andwhich type of such offers to make and their payment types. In additionor in the alternate, the system could include a neural net or geneticalgorithm to permit the system to optimize the results of such variouscoupon offer types.

In one embodiment, once offer 508 has been determined, offer 510 for thesame or similar item may be presented or another unique item or itemsmay be presented, which items may or may not have anything to do withitems or services in offer 508 or other offers 510. Such offers 510 mayalso be determined without regard to items or services in offer 508 ormay use a separate method to determine the best or optimal item(s) tooffer.

In another embodiment, information or knowledge about a customer orgroup of customers or class of customers may be used in making offer 508or offer 510. For example, a present invention system or method canobtain data regarding an end user's purchasing history and can generateoffer 508 or offer 510 accordingly. For example, offer 508 or offer 510can include a discount on items that an end user never or rarely orders,or only for items the end user rarely or never orders given what isincluded in order 502. In a further embodiment, a present inventionsystem or method accesses information from existing systems, including,for example, existing POS databases. The information can includecustomer transaction data, price lists, inventory information or otherin or above store, e.g., location data, including, but not limited todata in a POS, back office system, inventory system, revenue managementsystem, loyalty or marketing program databases, labor management orscheduling systems, time clock data, production or other managementsystems, e.g., kitchen production or manufacturing systems, advertisingcreation or tracking databases, including click through data,impressions information, results data, corporate or store or locationfinancial information, including, for example, profit and lossinformation, inventory data, performance metrics, e.g., speed of servicedata, customer survey information, digital signage information or data,or any other available information or data, or system settings data.

In yet another embodiment, a present invention system or method accessesand uses information known about a customer, a customer's buying habits,current order contents, payment method, destination, e.g., drive throughvs. front counter orders vs. pick up orders vs. delivery, etc., totalcheck amount, missing category of items, prior offeracceptance/rejection information, gaming or fishing information, ingeneral or specifically known about a given customer or class ofcustomers, or any other available information. When using suchinformation, a present invention system or method, using rules, or aneural net or genetic algorithm, can better generate offer 508 or offer510 and determine items, service, or incentives to include or whether ornot to include a coupon offer for now or later use or if such couponshould or should not include a discount or other promotional content.

In a still further embodiment, the preceding information can be used todetermine or affect, in whole or in part, the marketing message that ispresented to such a customer in offer 508 or offer 510. For example,after trying various offers, a present invention system or method maydetermine that a given customer, or group or class of customers are morelikely to accept a discounted coupon when the discount percentage isdisplayed or presented. Then, a present invention system or method caninclude such discount percentage amount more often or always, or so longas accept rates by such customer or class of customers remains constantor improves. In another example, a present invention system or methodmay determine that certain customers are better influenced if the dollaramount of the savings is display, e.g., instead of 50% off, the systemmight indicate a savings of $0.75. In this fashion, such a learningsystem could improve the results of the present invention by modifyingthe type and frequency of offers, and the discount applied, if any, andthe method of conveying the offer, including, for example, the amount ortype of discount.

In yet a further embodiment, offer 508 or offer 510 can be modified ortested using a present invention system or method, which could improveresults over time. For example, the system could be set up with avariety of offer rules, discounts, or offer types, the system couldfurther test such rules, discounts and offers to determine which aremost effective and yield maximum sales or profits under any of severalconditions.

In one embodiment, coupons are inscribed with one or more identificationcodes, for example a bar code. Such bar code may include any one or moreof the following information or may be a record locator or other serialnumber or ID number to permit retrieval or verification or use of anyone or more of: a) coupon type, e.g., discount, paid or free coupon, b)amount of coupon, c) discount type or amount, d) customer number orother identification, e) location issued number, f) date issued, g)expiration date, h) valid days, dates, hours, etc., i) issued on, j)issued by, or k) any other restrictions or terms, e.g., buy one get onefree, or buy one get one half off, or buy a combo meal, get a freeFrench fry, etc., or any combination of the foregoing. Such code, e.g.,bar code, may only be a number used to look up any or all of thepreceding information or to retrieve any other information available.

Methods to create and affix a bar code to an item are well known in theprior art and any applicable means may be used to create or access suchbar code or other coded information. For example, such bar codes couldbe generated using a stand alone system or an integrated system. Anintegrated system could include several key design points or objectivesincluding, for example: an option that allows customers to easilypurchase and redeem POS terminal or other system's generated coupons,while ensuring that coupons are not falsified. Flexibility in the couponvalidation system, i.e., permit in store or location, multiple store orlocations, and chain-wide validation options. The system can provide forproper accounting of the entire transaction, from coupon issuance andredemption to inventory control. The system can maximize accountingcontrols, ensure proper coupon validation (which is a potentialshortcoming of any standalone design), speed of service and ease of use.

In another embodiment, end users can identify themselves using overtactions, e.g., by swiping a card, in other embodiments, in addition orin the alternative to providing such identification means overtly, suchend users may identify themselves passively.

In accordance with some embodiments, an integrated system may include,for example, the following capabilities or components:

-   -   1. Modify a current POS interface as little as possible with the        goal of shifting as much work away from the POS software company        and on to a third party provider.    -   2. Coupon Printing System    -   3. Coupon Validation Method    -   4. Anti-fraud Features    -   5. Local or above store validation system (option)    -   6. Marketing system or coupon system controlled databases    -   7. New reports to provide issuance and redemption analysis    -   8. Accounting controls and options

The following is a listing of exemplary systems and methods inaccordance with various embodiments described in this disclosure:

A-1. A method for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer,comprising the steps of: receiving, using an interface element in atleast one specially programmed general-purpose computer, an order froman end user device (EUD), the order including a first item or serviceavailable from a first business entity; generating, prior to fulfillmentof the order by the first business entity and using a processor in theat least one specially programmed general-purpose computer and at leastone of a first set of rules or a first artificial intelligence programstored in a memory unit for the at least one specially programmedgeneral-purpose computer, a first offer fulfillable as part of theorder; generating, prior to fulfillment of the order by the firstbusiness entity and using the processor and at least one of a second setof rules or a second artificial intelligence program stored in thememory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of the orderby the first business entity; and, transmitting, using the interfaceelement, the first and second offers to the EUD.

A-2. The method of A-1 wherein the first and second sets of rules arethe same or the first and second artificial intelligence programs arethe same.

A-3. The method of A-1 wherein the first and second offers are the same.

A-4. The method of A-1 wherein the first and second offers includesecond and third items or services, respectively and wherein the secondand third items or services are the same or wherein the second and thirditems or services are different.

A-5. The method of A-1 wherein the first and second offers include firstand second incentives, respectively and wherein the first and secondincentives are the same or wherein the first and second incentives aredifferent.

A-6. The method of A-1 further comprising the step of determining, usingthe processor and at least one of a third set of rules or a thirdartificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, whether totransmit the second offer before or after receipt of payment for thesecond offer.

A-7. The method of A-1 wherein the EUD is a wireless communicationsdevice (WCD) and the method further comprising the steps of: storing atleast one third rule in a memory element for the WCD; and, executing,using a processor in the WCD, the first or second offer according to theat least one third rule.

A-8. The method of A-1 further comprising the steps of: receiving, usingthe interface element, at least one third rule from a WCD, or from ageneral-purpose computer associated with a second business entity;storing the at least one third rule in the memory element; and,modifying the first or second offer using the processor and the at leastone third rule.

A-9. The method of A-8 wherein the first and second business entitiesare the same.

A-10. A system for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer,comprising: an interface element, for at least one specially programmedgeneral-purpose computer, arranged to receive an order from an end userdevice (EUD), the order including a first item or service available froma first business entity; and, an offer element, in a processor for theat least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to:generate, prior to fulfillment of the order by the first business entityand using at least one of a first set of rules or a first artificialintelligence program stored in a memory unit for the at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, a first offer fulfillableas part of the order; and, generate, prior to fulfillment of the orderby the first business entity and using the processor and at least one ofa second set of rules or a second artificial intelligence program storedin the memory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of theorder by the first business entity; and, transmit, using the interfaceelement, the first and second offers to the EUD.

A-11. The system of A-10 wherein the first and second sets of rules arethe same or the first and second artificial intelligence programs arethe same.

A-12. The system of A-10 wherein the first and second offers are thesame.

A-13. The system of A-10 wherein the first and second offers includesecond and third items or services, respectively and wherein the secondand third items or services are the same or wherein the second and thirditems or services are different.

A-14. The system of A-10 wherein the first and second offers includefirst and second incentives, respectively and wherein the first andsecond incentives are the same or wherein the first and secondincentives are different.

A-15. The system of A-10 wherein the offer element is arranged todetermine, using at least one of a third set of rules or a thirdartificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, whether totransmit the second offer before or after receipt of payment for thesecond offer.

A-16. The system of A-10 wherein the EUD is a wireless communicationsdevice (WCD) storing at least one third rule in a memory element for theWCD and arranged to execute, using a processor in the WCD, the first orsecond offer according to the at least one third rule.

A-17. The system of A-10 wherein the interface element is arranged toreceive at least one third rule from a WCD, or from a general-purposecomputer associated with a second business entity and wherein the offerelement is arranged to: store the at least one third rule in the memoryelement; and, modify the first or second offer using the processor andthe at least one third rule.

A-18. The system of A-17 wherein the first and second business entitiesare the same.

A-19. A method for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer,comprising the steps of: receiving, using an interface element in atleast one specially programmed general-purpose computer, an order froman end user device (EUD), the order including a first item or serviceavailable from a first business entity; generating, prior to fulfillmentof the order by the first business entity and using a processor in theat least one specially programmed general-purpose computer and at leastone of a first set of rules or a first artificial intelligence programstored in a memory unit for the at least one specially programmedgeneral-purpose computer, a first offer fulfillable as part of theorder; or, generating, prior to fulfillment of the order by the firstbusiness entity and using the processor and at least one of a second setof rules or a second artificial intelligence program stored in thememory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of the orderby the first business entity; and, transmitting, using the interfaceelement, the first or second offer to the EUD.

A-20. The method of A-19 further comprising the step of determining,using the processor and at least one of a third set of rules or a thirdartificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, which of thefirst or second offers to generate and transmit.

A-21. The method of A-20 wherein one or more of the first, second, orthird sets of rules are the same or wherein one or more of the first,second, or third artificial intelligence programs are the same.

A-22. A system for generating a real time offer or a deferred offer,comprising: an interface element, for at least one specially programmedgeneral-purpose computer, arranged to receive an order from an end userdevice (EUD), the order including a first item or service available froma first business entity; and, an offer element, in a processor for theat least one specially programmed general-purpose computer, arranged to:generate, prior to fulfillment of the order by the first business entityand using at least one of a first set of rules or a first artificialintelligence program stored in a memory unit for the at least onespecially programmed general-purpose computer, a first offer fulfillableas part of the order; or, generate, prior to fulfillment of the order bythe first business entity and using the processor and at least one of asecond set of rules or a second artificial intelligence program storedin the memory unit, a second offer fulfillable after fulfillment of theorder by the first business entity; and, transmit, using the interfaceelement, the first or second offer to the EUD.

A-23. The system of A-22 wherein the offer element is arranged todetermine, using at least one of a third set of rules or a thirdartificial intelligence program stored in the memory unit, which of thefirst or second offers to generate and transmit.

A-24. The system of A-23 wherein one or more of the first, second, orthird sets of rules are the same or wherein one or more of the first,second, or third artificial intelligence programs are the same.

The following is a listing of exemplary hardware and software that maybe used in a present invention method or system. It should be understoodthat a present invention method or system is not limited to any or allof the hardware or software shown, that not all of the exemplaryhardware and/or software may be necessary or desirable for particularembodiments, and that other hardware and software are included in thespirit and scope of the claimed invention.

-   -   1. Hardware:        -   a. Central System, Central Controller or Local Controllers.            The present invention can be managed by a central system on            behalf of multiple business entities or locations or systems            associated with portions of the multiple business entities            or locations can implement the present invention.        -   b. Retailer System/Device 1-n: may be used, in accordance            with some embodiments, for tracking the acceptance of order            initiation offers and/or the transactions processed when            offers are accepted.        -   c. End User Device 1-n: may be used, in accordance with some            embodiments, for receiving order initiation offers.        -   d. Store Server (for example, location 332 and computer 314)    -   2. Software:        -   a. Desired Transaction Program: generates desired            transactions; modifies desired transactions, for example,            based on performance metrics; generates and modifies            presentations for desired transactions; and manages desired            transactions.        -   b. Incentive Program: generates incentives; modifies            incentives, for example, based on performance metrics;            generates and modifies presentations for incentives; and            manages incentives.        -   c. Reward Program: manages available and active programs            regarding generation, allocation, and dissemination of            rewards.        -   d. Reward Alteration Program: alters reward programs based            on performance data.        -   e. Offer Initiation Program: creates offers and outputs them            to appropriate parties based on rules and conditions.        -   f. Offer Rules and Condition Creation Program: creates rules            and conditions under which offers can be made.        -   g. Time/Traffic Map Generation Program: creates time/traffic            maps of stores that can be used to help generate specific            offers during specific traffic times.        -   h. Suggestive Selling/Offer Generation Program

The following is a listing of exemplary data bases that can be used in apresent invention method or system. It should be understood that apresent invention method or system is not limited to any or all of thedatabases shown, that not all of the exemplary hardware and/or softwaremay be necessary or desirable for particular embodiments, and that otherdatabases are included in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

-   -   Account Database-stores master account information.    -   Sub-account Database-stores sub account information.    -   Transaction Database-stores transaction data including reward        program data and transaction histories, for example, history        110.    -   Rewards Database-stores available rewards programs.    -   Rewards Rules Database-stores rules for rewards programs.    -   Reward Incentive Database-stores incentives for rewards        programs.    -   Reward Incentive Rules Database-stores rules for making rewards        program incentives.    -   Active Reward Programs Database-stores active rewards programs.    -   Account and Sub-account Score/Class Database-stores scoring data        for accounts and sub accounts.    -   Available Penalty Database-stores penalties that can be        associated with reward programs.    -   Available Obligation Database-stores obligations that can be        associated with rewards programs.    -   Available Alerts Database-stores alerts that can be associated        with reward programs.    -   Alerts Database-stores active alerts.    -   Alerts Rules Database-stores rules for making alerts.    -   End User Database: stores relevant information about WCDs        -   End User ID        -   End user profile: a score of the customer based on their            purchase behavior that can be used to qualify and end user            for an offer        -   End user device 1-n: the WCDs associated with the end user        -   End user transaction history        -   End user Offer history: offers that the end user has gotten            in the past and whether or not they were accepted    -   Order Initiation Offer Database: available order initiation        offers        -   Offer ID        -   Offer descriptor    -   Order Initiation Offer Rules Database: rules used to determine        if an offer should be made to a WCD        -   Offer rules ID        -   Offer rules descriptor        -   Applicable Offer ID 1-n    -   Qualification Metrics database: stores metrics used to qualify        WCDs and order initiation offers        -   Metric ID        -   Descriptor        -   Rules and Conditions    -   Customer ID        -   Customer Transaction History        -   Personal Information        -   Email Address        -   Offers made 1-n        -   Referrer ID        -   Referral ID        -   Status        -   Customer Type    -   Inventory Database        -   Item ID        -   Descriptor        -   Quantity        -   Price 1-n        -   Offers 1-n    -   Transaction Database        -   Transaction ID        -   Items 1-n        -   Offer ID 1-n        -   Offer Accepted        -   Accepted Offer Type    -   Offer Database        -   Offer ID        -   Item ID 1-n        -   Offer Rules 1-n        -   Customer ID 1-n        -   Retailer ID        -   Price (how much retailer pays if offer is made and/or            redeemed)        -   Time criteria 1-n        -   Date Criteria 1-n        -   Customer Criteria 1-n        -   Offer payment price (what retailer will pay for offer to be            made or redeemed)        -   Traffic Criteria        -   Geographic Range (how far device is from retailer on average            or in real time)    -   Offer Rules Database        -   Offer Rule ID        -   Offer Conditions 1-n        -   Customer ID 1-n        -   Customer Type 1-n        -   Offers 1-n        -   Retailer 1-n        -   Retailer Type    -   Retailer Database        -   Retailer ID        -   Type        -   Offers 1-n        -   Rules 1-n        -   Conditions 1-n        -   Rule Parameters 1-n (i.e. exclusion sets)        -   Condition Parameters 1-n        -   Offer Parameters 1-n (parameters used for System for            Generating, Selecting, and    -   Running Executables in a Business System Utilizing a Combination        of User Defined Rules and Artificial Intelligence)    -   Offer Selection Rules and Conditions        -   Offer Selection Rule ID        -   Descriptor        -   Offers 1-n        -   Offer rules and conditions 1-n        -   End user device types        -   End user 1-n

It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown anddescribed herein are merely illustrative of the principles of thisinvention and that various modifications may be implemented by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope and the spirit ofthe invention. For example, while the invention has been illustrated asbeing implemented using particular computer systems including hardwarecomponents such as a computer, POS terminals, portable employeeterminals, and input and output devices, the invention could also beimplemented using other hardware components and/or otherinterconnections between such components. Also, while the invention hasbeen described as being implemented using a computer, some or all of thefunctionality could alternatively reside in a POS terminal or othercomputing device (e.g., a headset). The invention could also beimplemented using discrete hardwired components instead of computers.Further, while the above description refers to particular databases,other databases or data structures could be used. In addition, whilevarious embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention havebeen discussed which include specific steps listed in specific orders, aperson of skill in the art will recognize that these steps can beperformed in different combinations and orders. While othermodifications will be evident to those skilled in the art, the presentinvention is intended to extend to those modifications that neverthelessfall within the scope of the appended claims.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficientlyobtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should bereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Althoughthe invention is described by reference to a specific preferredembodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.

1. A computer-readable memory storing instructions configured so thatwhen executed by a processor the instructions direct the processor toperform a method, the method comprising: storing, in a memory elementfor at least one specially-programmed general purpose computer, atransaction history for an account with respect to a business entity andan artificial intelligence program (AIP), wherein the transactionhistory includes at least one of: a transaction involving the businessentity and the account, or a transaction involving the business entityand a sub-account of the account; comparing, using a processor in the atleast one specially-programmed general purpose computer, the transactionhistory with a metric; generating, using the processor, the AIP, and thecomparison of the transaction history with the metric, a desiredtransaction involving the account and the business entity; generating,using the processor, the AIP, and the comparison of the transactionhistory with the metric, an incentive, wherein rewarding of theincentive is conditional upon execution of the desired transaction; and,transmitting, using an interface element for the at least onespecially-programmed general purpose computer, the desired transactionand the incentive for presentation to a holder of the account.
 2. Thecomputer-readable memory of claim 1 wherein the instructions are furtherconfigured to direct the processor to perform: storing the metric in thecomputer-readable memory.
 3. The computer-readable memory of claim 1wherein the instructions are further configured to direct the processorto perform: storing data regarding the account in the computer-readablememory, the data being different than the transaction history; andgenerating the metric based on the data and the AIP.
 4. Thecomputer-readable memory of claim 1 wherein the instructions are furtherconfigured to direct the processor to perform: generating the incentiveusing the AIP.
 5. The computer-readable memory of claim 1 wherein theinstructions are further configured to direct the processor to perform:receiving, via the interface element, data regarding a transactionbetween the business entity and the account, transacted followingtransmission of the desired transaction and the modified incentive; andcomparing the data with respect to the desired transaction; and, forcompliance of the transaction with the desired transaction, authorizingreward of the modified incentive; or, for non-compliance of thetransaction with the desired transaction, further modifying, using theAIP, the incentive according to the comparison of the transaction andthe desired transaction.